Angara: Apeco issue nothing to do with withdrawal of candidacy

MANILA, Philippines - Protest actions against the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (Apeco) had nothing to do with Sen. Edgardo Angara’s decision to withdraw from the gubernatorial race in Aurora, the lawmaker said yesterday.

Angara’s younger brother, Baler Mayor Arthur Angara, will run in his place.

Angara’s sister, Aurora Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo, will run for the congressional seat now occupied by Angara’s son Juan Edgardo, who will run for senator.

Speaking to reporters, Angara said he simply did not want to be tied down in his home province when he has so many responsibilities as an official of various international organizations.

“If I’m running for governor, and I’m sure that I would win, in order to be a good governor I would have to stay in Aurora,” he said.

“But this would tie me down, and as such I won’t be able to fulfill my international commitments... I think it would be unfair to the people of Aurora if I became governor that I would become absentee governor.”

However, opponents of the Apeco project said strong public opinion and an effective campaign have compelled Angara to drop his plan to replace his sister as governor.

“It is the beginning of an unfolding event on the fall of the Angara dynasty in Aurora,” the groups said.

“The withdrawal of Angara may be called a tactical victory against the ruling Angara clan.”

Making the a joint statement were the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya), Panlalawigang Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Aurora (Pamana), Alyansa ng Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luzon (AMGL) and the umbrella alliance Resist Apeco and, Defend Aurora Movement.

Angara also said it was not true that he’s quitting the gubernatorial race because he has been offered a government post. “Although I am prepared to help the government, I’m not prepared to accept any Cabinet position,” he said.

Angara said he was open to helping the administration in other ways, like in an advisory capacity or in special assignments, like his visit to Mexico as a special envoy of President Aquino for the inauguration of Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto.

“Yes, maybe, just to be able to help,” he said.  “Our President needs all the hands, all the assistance he can muster. I don’t want to be presumptuous, but my frame of mind right now is I’m willing to help the administration in specific ways on a task force mission or assignment.” – Marvin Sy, Ding Cervantes