Bistek to seek reelection as mayor

MANILA, Philippines - Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista will seek reelection in next year’s elections instead of running for senator under the ruling Liberal Party (LP).

During his 6th State of the City Address and the 19th City Council yesterday, Bautista asked his constituents and supporters to continue believing in him.

“With God’s help, allow me to continue serving the people of Quezon City,” Bautista said in his speech before members of the city council.

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and other Quezon City congressmen attended the event.

Asked when he would file his certificate of candidacy (COC), Bautista said they were still completing the lineup for candidates for councilors.

Election officer Erick Santos said Bautista usually files his candidacy on the last day of filing.

Earlier, Bautista expressed his intention to run for senator under the LP, but he said he changed his mind following consultations with his friends from the entertainment industry, department heads, spiritual advisers and other sectors.

Bautista expressed his gratitude to the Aquino family for supporting him.

He said he has apologized to President Aquino and LP standard bearer Manuel Roxas for changing his mind.

Bautista said the President welcomed his decision not to run for higher office.