Belmonte declines Lakas prexy post

His heart remains in the city he has chosen to call home.

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. declined yesterday his appointment as the new president of the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD).

Turning down his appointment to one of the highest posts in the ruling party would allow him to keep his focus on transforming Quezon City into a great city, Belmonte said.

"I would rather be a good mayor, continuing what I have started — to make Quezon City a great city," Belmonte told City Hall employees during yesterday’s flag-raising ceremony.

Despite declining the Lakas-CMD post vacated by Vice President Teofisto Guingona Jr., Belmonte said he will actively campaign to ensure President Arroyo’s victory in the May 10, 2004 elections.

Belmonte’s announcement was met with vigorous applause from City Hall employees, who are now preparing for the weeklong celebration of Quezon City’s 64th foundation anniversary.

Earlier, presidential liaison on political affairs Joey Rufino announced Belmonte’s appointment as Lakas-CMD president. Guingona bolted the party on Friday, though he retains his post as vice president.

After Rufino’s announcement, Belmonte said he received text messages congratulating him on his new post.

Pondering on his appointment, however, Belmonte said he realized his place was in Quezon City Hall, running the affairs of the city government.

Belmonte added that he cannot simultaneously be Quezon City mayor and tackle political issues on a national level.

"At the end of the day, I found that I prefer to be a small-time thinker addressing the traffic, garbage and other problems besetting Quezon City," he said. "I will continue to pursue my vision to make Quezon City a great city."

After the flag-raising ceremony, Belmonte proceeded to the Quezon City Memorial Circle to unveil the biography and code of ethics of the late President Manuel Quezon, after whom the city was named.

With Belmonte at the unveiling were Quezon City Parks Development foundation chairwoman Charito Planas, Quezon City Chamber of Commerce president Nathan Zulueta, city treasurer Victor Endriga and city councilors.

Belmonte also officially opened and toured the agro-industrial fair where the ongoing Entrepinoy Congress and Exposition saw the participation of various entrepreneurs.