Angara running for governor in 2013

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Edgardo Angara, the longest-serving senator in the post-EDSA Senate, has reportedly decided to run for governor of Aurora province in next year’s elections.

Reliable sources told The STAR that Angara has finalized his decision to seek the gubernatorial post and has even informed his close friends and allies, including former President Joseph Estrada.

Angara served as agriculture secretary during Estrada’s term.

Speculations are rife Angara will declare his gubernatorial bid before the deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy for local and national officials in October.

His potential rival, Vice Gov. Gerardo Noveras, earlier announced he is running for governor in next year’s elections.

Angara’s younger sister, incumbent Aurora Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo who is on her last term, said there is a strong clamor among political leaders for the senator to run for governor.

She said the senator’s candidacy would ensure the continuity of the projects she started. “Based on what they (leaders) have seen, it would take somebody like Senator Angara to expedite all the development projects in Aurora,” she said.

Angara had previously denied he would seek the gubernatorial post, saying he won’t settle for a local position. He added that if his brother Arthur does not stand a chance against Noveras, they would field another contender.

But since last year, the senator has been very visible in the province, inspecting his pet projects and meeting with political leaders and local officials.