FORMER mayor John Sambo is seeking to reclaim the local chief executive post of Sto. Tomas in Pampanga.
Sambo, together with their "Team Gusto Ko Progreso" slate, filed their certificates of candidacy for the upcoming May 2022 polls on Saturday morning, October 2.
He is running with incumbent Vice Mayor Matias "Bong" Pineda and eight candidates for councilors Yayadin Quiambao, Anjeli Arceo, Vines Pineda, Tess Suarez, Juma Bondoc, Keen Mha, Erwin Tirasol, and Jinky Manalese.
If given a chance for a comeback, Sambo said he will prioritize the opening of the community hospital, whose construction started under his leadership.
"Yung building para sa ospital nandyan na. Sayang naman na hindi siya magagamit, lalo na kailangan na kailangan siya ngayon dahil sa pandemya," he said.
At present, the building intended for the hospital is being used as an isolation facility for coronavirus disease (Covid-19) patients.
Also, Sambo said his comeback is aimed at giving Tomasians the option to choose their next leader, which will be vital in post-Covid-19 recovery of the municipality.
"Gusto lang natin bigyan ng pagkakataon na mamili ang ating mga kababayan ng kanila susunod na lider," he said.
Meanwhile, the Association of Barangay Captains in the town led by its president Joel Layson expressed support for the candidacy of Sambo's slate.
"Nakita po namin na gusto talaga nila ng progreso sa bata man o matanda, sa lahat ng sektor at lalo na ang aming bayan ng Sto. Tomas ay gusto nilang umunlad," he said.