Syjuco holds on to TESDA post, bids Congress g'bye
Secretary Augusto "Boboy" Syjuco, Director-General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is happy with his post. In fact, he is very happy that he officially declared his intention to stay put in at least three more years here and bids farewell any elective position in the May elections.
Talks has since abound on Syjuco's purported Senatorial aspiration alongside the expected comeback in Iloilo's Second District, a post now held by wife, Representative Judy. Yet over two years since he assumed the TESDA hierarchy, Syjuco told reporters he will continue working here in pursuit of more programs "the PGMA-way" (referring to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo).
"Yes, I am not running in the elections. I will stay in TESDA and get more works done that has great impact to the Filipino people," he said. "I have so much faith in the Filipinos. We have the ability to work hard and face the greatest adversities. Our programs in TESDA -- it is all happening at the right time with the right people. This is where we will invest more, in our human resources for I know the Filipinos are destined to be workers of the world."
Meantime in Iloilo City, talks that Senator Franklin Drilon will also not be running for the city's Lone District Congressional seat has generated the open-declaration from would-be contenders against incumbent Representative Raul Gonzalez Jr.
Days after the Drilon (mis) development, first to make public his intent is lawyer Dan Cartagena followed by former City Councilor and also a lawyer, Joshua Alim. The duo in media statements similarly said they cannot allow that Gonzalez Jr. will run unopposed lest the Ilonggo populace would think nobody is willing and ready to challenge said incumbent solon.
Also joining the city's Congressional race is yet another fellow lawyer, former City Councilor Vicente "Benjie" Gengos who reportedly has the official blessing of Drilon. All three contenders belong to the same opposition-Drilon group.
The other force and the only rose thus far amongst the 'thorns,' is City Councilor Erlinda Liberiaga who is also bent on running against Gonzalez Jr.