Salceda changes mind, to run for congressman

MANILA, Philippines - Outgoing Albay Gov. Joey Salceda has reportedly changed his plan to no longer seek public office and is eyeing a congressional run in his province’s second district.

“It is unfortunate that Gov. Salceda has announced a so-called ‘unity ticket’ in Albay as an excuse for him to change his mind again and run for the second congressional district of Albay,” Reps. Rodel Batocabe and Christopher Co of party-list group Ako Bicol said in a statement on Thursday.

“We are at a loss on the sudden turn around of Gov. Salceda, as we, including the public, have relied on his earlier pronouncements of non-candidacy in the second district,” the statement added.

The two congressmen said Salceda has “repeatedly assured us and the general public that he will no longer run and instead shall unite the political leaders of Albay for the common good.”

“How can there be unity if Gov. Salceda is saying one thing and doing completely the opposite?” they asked.

Co will run for congressman in Albay’s second district.

Salceda is supporting the presidential candidacy of outgoing Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, President Aquino’s preferred successor.

Batocabe has attended at least two meetings of lawmakers with Sen. Grace Poe, who remains coy about her 2016 plans.

Salceda was a former congressman before he ran for governor.