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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Jojo Garcia, who wanted to retire already, files candidacy for Rizal congressional post

Jojo Garcia, who wanted to retire already, files candidacy for Rizal congressional post

Published Oct 5, 2021 12:12 pm

Former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Jojo Garcia said Tuesday he was already planning to retire from public service, but he still filed for candidacy as San Mateo, Rizal's congressional representative anyway.

Garcia, who resigned from his MMDA post effective Oct. 4 to seek a national position, said he was prompted to run as the municipality's lawmaker after he was "asked" to help San Mateo.

"Actually sabi ko nga, plano ko magreretiro na ko, pero noong nakita ko 'yung tawag ng mga tao don paghihirap don, wala masyadong asenso, pinakiusapan tayo na tulungan natin ang San Mateo (I was already planning to retire. But when I saw the call of the people, their struggle, their lack of progress, I was asked and prompted to run)," he said during his filing of Certificate of Candidacy (COC).

​"​Eh sino ba naman tayo para tumanggi​? (Who am I to refuse)" he added.

Jojo Garcia FB page

G​arcia said Rizal province's town of around 273,000 people ​has "potential" to progress, but "the problem is it seems to be old school."

"I think it’s about time (to do something)," Garcia said, who took pride in his "track record" as MMDA executive.

Once elected, Garcia said he would push for more infrastructure in the municipality. He would also invest in its tourism.

But he clarified that if he becomes a lawmaker, he would not only focus on helping San Mateo residents but of the country as well.

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Rizal san mateo JOJO GARCIA representative MMDA COC filing
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