Vilma ‘accepts challenge’ to run for Batangas governor

LIPA CITY – The long wait is over and she did not disappoint.

Lipa City Mayor Vilma Santos announced before a huge crowd gathered at the Youth and Cultural Center here she would be running for governor of the province.

"I’m accepting the challenge to run for governor," she said to the thunderous applause of some 8,000 supporters, including informal settlers to whom she distributed lot certificates.

Santos said she arrived at the decision after much soul-searching and prayers.

"I’ve gone through extreme dilemma and anxiety," she said, adding that she had to deal with the pain of being humiliated and of being falsely accused of wrongdoing.

She did not name the cause of her miseries but she was apparently alluding to her brother-in-law and incumbent Vice Gov. Ricky Recto who had announced his own gubernatorial bid under the opposition ticket.

Santos will also challenge pro-administration incumbent Gov. Armand Sanchez.

Santos’ husband reelectionist Sen. Ralph Recto is not on speaking terms with his brother.

On Monday last week, Santos asked her provincemates to give her one week to decide if she would run for governor.

"Now I’m facing all of you as a leader, one who can confidently say has refused to be dictated upon, does not have any hidden agenda or is being manipulated," she added.

" I said this before and will say it again that I’m a gracious lady but don’t push me too hard. However, I’m pushed too hard, and now I’m accepting the challenge," Vilma said.

"Now I am ready, I will file my candidacy for governorship of Batangas," she said.

Santos thanked her supporters saying she felt "extremely blessed" because of the trust she gained from Batangueños. 

"I’m willing to stake my reputation and credibility because all I wish for is the good of the people – win or lose," she said. "My conscience is clear."

"Ralph, thank you for staying by me because some people might think he’s behind all this," she said. "I will stand by you because you are my family."

" I’m not promising heaven and earth because that is impossible. I will definitely need your help and support, cooperation and participation," she said. "If I don’t win, God has His reasons."

Her husband, for his part, said he is willing to sacrifice even if it means being junked by the administration.

Meanwhile, Sanchez said he was unfazed by the prospect of facing a popular rival.

"I’m ready to face anybody because I know voters are more intelligent now and they are sure to choose a full-time governor who is willing to serve from Monday to Friday," he said in a radio interview. Santos had been accused of reporting for work only on Mondays. "I can face anyone without having to put on makeup for three hours," Sanchez said.