Outgoing Albay Gov. Joey Salceda’s pronouncement not to run for any position in the 2016 elections has been met by cheers and jeers by fellow politicians in the province.
AKO Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe lauded Salceda’s decision, saying his political wisdom and know-how will be of great help to the presidential bid of Mar Roxas.
“We welcome the decision of Governor Salceda not to run for Congress and instead concentrate on the campaign of Mar Roxas,” Batocabe said in reaction.
“With the national stature and prominence of Governor Salceda, he will be a big boost to the Roxas campaign,” he added.
But Batocabe opined that Salceda should at least eye a Senate seat, pointing out that his plans to run for congressman of the 2nd District of Pampanga “was too minor a position for his stature.”
Salceda has announced he has abandoned all his election plans and will instead join the campaign of Roxas.
Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel “Grex” Lagman, on other hand, praised Salceda for “putting importance to the interest of the Liberal Party first over personal political interests.”
“The second district of Albay is not the battle ground for a presidential run for the LP standard bearer, or any legislative district for that matter,” he pointed out.
But 3rd District Rep. Fernando Gonzales does not take Salceda’s words hook, line, and sinker.
“I don’t believe he will do that. Let’s wait until the last day of the filing of the COCs (Certificates of Candidacy),” Gonzales doubted.
