They’re out of the race.

Retired Philippine National Police Chief Arturo Lomibao, who just two weeks earlier said he is 99.99% sure of competing for the congressional seat in the 4th district of Pangasinan, announced on Wednesday that he is no longer pursuing his political plan.

Meanwhile, Undersecretary for Local Governance Antonio Villar Jr., a staunch ally of President Gloria Arroyo and known as a kingmaker in the province, has decided not to run for governor in the May 2007 elections.

Lomibao, in a small gathering at a restaurant in his hometown Mangaldan, announced that he is setting aside his political plan “for the sake of unity”.

Lomibao recently resigned from as head of the National Irrigation Administration to prepare for his congressional bid.

He said this personal decision, which he believes is for the best of everyone, was “not only a hard decision but a painful decision” considering the endless expressions of support for his candidacy.

He said he is certain that several of his supporters would be disappointed “so it really breaks my heart”.

Meanwhile, Villar told The PUNCH that he is again making this supreme sacrifice not to pursue his gubernatorial dream in order not to add burden to the leaders of the ruling Lakas coalition who are “torn among four gubernatorial aspirants” who are all pro-administration.

In the 2004 elections, Villar also made a sacrifice when he gave way to Governor Victor Agbayani, despite mounting support for his own candidacy, particularly from the mayors.

“Masayado nang magulo at sumasakit na ang ulo ng ating mga lider sa sitwasyon ng Pangasinan. Siguro, mas mabuti kung magsasakripisyo na lang ako uli “Villar said.

The gubernatorial hopefuls, aside from Villar, are outgoing Vice Governor Oscar Lambino, second district Rep. Amado Espino Jr. and Dr. Jamie Eloise Agbayani , wife of graduating Gov. Victor Agbayani.

Lakas, with Arroyo as its president and House Speaker Jose de Venecia from the 4th district as chairman, have been mulling the declaration of Pangasinan as a free zone, meaning no candidate for governor will be endorsed.

Among the four wannabes, De Venecia praised Villar, saying, “Ang nagustuhan ko lang si Bebot Villar kasi marami ang nagpu-push sa kanya pero sabi ni Bebot, “Manong Joe, kung makakadagdag lang ako sa confusion at gulo, hindi na lang ako tatakbo.”

Arroyo, after talking to Villar regarding this matter, also praised him for his sacrifice.

Villar said it was not easy for him to decide not to run again because of the strong backing of the local and national leaders, particularly the mayors as well as his friends in Metro Manila who have signified their willingness to bankroll his candidacy.

However, Villar said up to now, he has not yet made up his mind on whom to support for governor.

The Biskeg na Pangasinan (Strength of Pangasinan), accredited by the Commission on Elections as a provincial party, was founded by Villar and counts among its members mayors, vice mayors, councilors, and board members.

LOMIBAO’S
WITHDRAWAL

Lomibao said that for the past several weeks that he has been going around consulting his constituents, he has observed that common friends, relatives and community leaders are being torn between me and other political camps.

Nonetheless, he said he is not closing the door to any future political endeavor while clarifying that his decision not to run was not a trade-off for a promised appointed position such as secretary for the Department of Transportation and Communications.

“That is not true. That is malicious. I never asked for any position and there was no exchange (for my decision),” he said.—EVA

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