ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Former congressman Romeo Jalosjos, who had served time in prison for statutory rape and was freed in 2009 under a commuted 16-year sentence, has declared his intention to run for mayor of this southern port city in the 2013 midterm elections.
Jalosjos, 71, made the announcement last Thursday after he registered as a voter here. He was accompanied by his brother, former Dapitan City mayor Dominador Jalosjos, and some local supporters.
Jalosjos, who was born here but made his career in politics in Zamboanga del Norte, has widened his influence in the Zamboanga peninsula in a proxy political battle represented by his brothers, children, relatives and supporters in the 2010 polls.
His sons Rommel and Romeo Jr. defeated the Hofers in the gubernatorial and congressional races in Zamboanga Sibugay, respectively, in the previous elections.
Jalosjos’ younger brother, Dominador, will be pitted against the Cerilles in the 2013 gubernatorial race in Zamboanga del Sur, while another brother, Cesar, will launch his gubernatorial ambition in Zamboanga del Norte.
Touting what he described as his 25-point agenda to transform this city, Jalosjos said, “This is more an obligation rather than ambition.”
Mayor Celso Lobregat, who is in his third and last term, said everybody is welcome in the city’s political arena, but he has yet to decide who to endorse as Jalosjos’ potential rival candidate.
Lobregat’s brother Jomar has signified his intention to run for congressman in the city’s second district.