Albay gov dumps Mar for Grace

SALCEDA

Legazpi City — “I am Governor Salceda and my President is Grace Poe.”

With this statement, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda ended all speculations on his political plans, confirming that he was withdrawing his support for administration standard-bearer Mar Roxas to push Poe’s candidacy.

Salceda, in an e-mailed statement to the Inquirer yesterday, said he is supporting Poe because “she shares our values of authentic humanism, shares our goals of countryside development and national competitiveness and certainly her compassion will ensure that the impact will be shared by all.”

“Ang presidente ko ay may malinaw na plano at may puso para sa ordinaryong Filipino. May pagkiling sa kanayunan at may paninindigan para sa bayan. Malinis ang intensyon. May galing at lakas ng loob magpatupad ng batas (My president has clear plans and has the heart for the ordinary Filipino. She listens to countryside concerns and would stand firm for the country. Her intentions are pure. She has the ability and courage to enforce the law),” said Salceda, a member of the administration Liberal Party.

He believes Poe would be the best leader who would be a driving force to bring prosperity to the provinces.

“For the good of all Albayanos, and for the future of my country, it is my duty to join ang Gobyernong may Puso,” said Salceda.

He said he has informed the Commission on Elections (Comelec) that he would leave LP as party chair in the Bicol region and would run as an independent candidate.

Despite running as an independent, Salceda said he is duty-bound to support the candidacy of LP candidates in Albay like Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal, Daraga Mayor Gerry Jaucian, Camalig Mayor Ardhail Baldo, Manito Mayor Joshua Daep and Rapu-rapu Mayor Galicia.

In the 2010 elections, Salceda, then an ally of outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, left the administration party and supported the bid of then Sen. Benigno Aquino III of LP, who would win the presidency.