31 March 2007
LEGAZPI CITY—PRESIDENT MACAPAGAL-Arroyo’s chief of staff has quit his post and set his sights on the governorship of Albay.
Joey Salceda, a former representative of Legazpi’s second district, filed his certificate of candidacy as an independent candidate on Thursday night. He said he resigned as Ms Arroyo’s chief of staff on Tuesday.
The gubernatorial race is now seen as a face-off between Salceda and the incumbent, Fernando Gonzales, who is seeking a second term under the ruling Lakas-CMD.
But two other independent candidates, Stephen Bichara and Abdel Noel Quiapon, are also in the running.
Salceda, Bichara and Gonzales belong to political dynasties.
The governor hails from Ligao City, where his wife, Mayor Linda Gonzales, is also seeking reelection.
Salceda is from Polangui, where his father, Jesus Salceda Sr., is mayor.
Bichara is the brother of former Albay Gov. Al Francis Bichara, who is now running for Congress. Their father, Alfonso Bichara, is also a former Albay governor.
Salceda, a former chair of the House committee on appropriations, said he had always felt more comfortable in an elective position.
He said his program “Albay Mabuhay” would center on infrastructure projects such as the construction of the international airport in Daraga, and the provision of PhilHealth and scholarship benefits as well as agricultural livelihood programs.
“I am also thinking of ways to help the poorest barangays in Albay,” Salceda said. Ephraim Aguilar, Inquirer Southern Luzon
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