Lomibao is in 4th district race
ONCE a powerful police general, he now regards himself the underdog in his first political fight. “It’ll be a “David versus Goliath” match.”
This was how Arturo Lomibao, who has just resigned from his post as head of the National Irrigation Administration, described his impending contest with House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. for the 4th district congressional seat in the May election.
Lomibao, who hails from Mangaldan, confirmed Saturday that he is “99.99 percent sure of running for congressman” and shelved his earlier plan to join the gubernatorial race “for practical reasons”.
He pointed out that the gubernatorial race is too crowded with pro-administration candidates.
“My fear is that because many are aspiring for the gubernatorial position, the opposition bet might win,” he said.
He added that the remaining .01 percent will depend on the completion of his consultations with the people and a survey. He said if the surveys would show that he has a fighting chance, then he would go for it.
Lomibao said he has submitted his membership form with the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (KAMPI) party and hopes to get confirmation as its congressional bet soon.
However, reliable sources said his application has not been approved.
Aside from the incumbent De Venecia, another possible contender for the position is Dagupan City Mayor Benjamin Lim.
“This is a free country. Ang tingin ko naman ay equal yung chance natin,” said Lomibao.
Asked if he has the blessings of President Gloria Arroyo, who formed KAMPI, Lomibao said, “I don’t think I can get the blessings of the President. I don’t want to be presumptuous but I’d rather that I expect the worst and that is not getting the blessings of the President.”
He added, “But to me perhaps the more important thing is I get the blessings of the people more than the blessings of the President.”
He admitted he had separate exploratory talks with Lim and De Venecia but he declined to elaborate on what they had discussed.
He clarified that his decision to join the political race was not because of his failure to get the Department of Public Works and Highways portfolio.
He said he is offering the people his track record as former Philippine National Police chief with more than 30 years in service plus a continuing service and a promise that he will give his best for the people.
He added he is in the process of organizing for the campaign and expressed confidence that it’s not too late for him to prepare despite the fact that his two rivals have been making the rounds as early as last year.
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