SUSPENDED San Simon Mayor Abundio "JP" Punsalan Jr. on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, officially announced his bid for reelection in the coming May 2022 polls.
Punsalan, who is just on his first term, said he wants to sustain the programs he implemented but were halted due to his suspension.
"We still have many dreams for my beloved hometown that needs to be realized and I hope to become the instrument again in realizing those dreams," said Punsalan.
Among the many programs he wishes to sustain and improve are the quality of healthcare program in town, provide additional assistance to farmers and boost the educational system.
He said he gathered potential councilor candidates from different sectors to ensure that programs for Simoniams will be well-rounded and inclusive.
Included in Punsalan team's candidates for councilor are incumbent Councilor Randell Bondoc, Barangay San Pedro Chairman Jerry Quaimbao, former Pelco-Central Luzon Director Rod Bravo, Barangay Sta. Cruz Chairman Eddie Manalang, Jun Briones, Ruby Simbulan, former Sto. Niño chairwoman Pacita Campanilla and Mirasol Galang.
Local council
Aside from the councilarables, Punsalan will also be running with incumbent Councilor Romanoel "Dading" Santos as his vice-mayor.
Santos, who ranked second on the race for the local council in 2019, said he has long been prepared to lead the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) for several years now.
"I have been a member of the SB as councilor for almost twelve years and I know the local code by heart; that's why I am positive that I can lead my colleagues well as their presiding officer," he said.
If elected, Santos said his primary goal is to ensure that proper decorum and mutual respect among SB members will be observed during and even after sessions.
"As vice mayor, my duty will be to preside and if the votes are tied, I will be the tie-breaker. But it will never be duty to impose my beliefs or comments to the council and that's what I wanted to assure my soon-to-be colleagues, if I get elected," he said.
Meanwhile, Punsalan is expected to face four other mayoralty bets in this town, namely Acting Mayor Leonora Wong, Acting Vice Mayor Keko Almario, businessmen Joel "Jojo" Gutierrez and Bong Garcia.
Also, Santos is in for a three-cornered vice-mayoralty race with former Vice Mayor Rommel Bondoc and incumbent Councilor Mark Macapagal.
