Shelving of Alaminos airport mulled
5 CELESTE BROTHERS WIN
LINGAYEN—With the defeat of outgoing Alaminos Mayor Hernani Braganza for the gubernatorial post and likewise his son Lean Braganza for the post his father will vacate, the planned airport project in the city is not likely going to see completion.
Re-elected First District Rep. Jesus Celeste, whose brother Arthur Celeste is the newly-elected Alaminos mayor, said they will consult experts on what can be done with the airport project which, he said, is in an unsuitable site.
“Hindi natin alam kasi paano natin ilalagay ang airport sa gitna ng bundok,” Rep. Celeste said in an interview before his proclamation last May 15 at the Governor’s Office in the Capitol Building here.
“Perhaps, we can turn it into a farm to grow grains,” he added, noting that it was a waste spending the funds in the initial phase of the project.
At the same time, the congressman said he will now take an active part in the further development of the Hundred Islands National Park, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the province.
“Dahil noon hindi tayo nangingialam doon…ngayon pwede na nating pakialaman, dadagsa na ang turista sa Alaminos,” said Celeste, who has an intense political rivalry with Braganza.
Celeste also promised to maintain the services delivered to all the villages in the district as well as his tree-planting activities and other tourism-boosting projects.
MURDER CHARGE
On the murder charge filed against him and re-elected Governor Amado Espino Jr. at the height of the campaign period, Celeste expressed confidence that it will be dropped because it was simply politically-motivated.
Celeste and Espino are alleged to be behind the murder of Infanta Mayor Ruperto Martinez in December 2012.
“Aayusin natin ‘yon kase ang purpose lang naman ng mga kalaban natin e ipabilanggo kami ni Gov. sa oras ng kampanya,” he said.
OTHER WINNERS
Three other Celeste brothers won in their respective bids, defying apprehension on political dynasty.
The second in the family, Alfonso, the outgoing mayor of Bolinao was elected vice mayor while the youngest, Noli, is the incoming mayor; the third, Jorge, was re-elected councilor; and incoming Alaminos Mayor Arthur, the fourth in the family, was a former congressman in the 1st District.
Rep. Celeste, the eldest of the brood, said they all won because of their own performance.
“People will vote for you if they really want you. They like our public service so maybe that’s the reason (of our victory),” said the congressman who will be serving his second term.
Their only sister, Margie, does not want to get into politics.—Johanne R. Macob and Eva Visperas
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
