ANGELES CITY, Pampanga – Former Philippine National Police chief Police Gen. Oscar Albayalde filed his Certificate of Candidacy for mayor here on Monday, October 7.
ALBAYALDE showing his COC.
Albayalde is running under the People’s Reform Party founded by the late Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago.
He is up against three-term Pampanga Rep. Carmelo "Jon" Lazatin who filed his COC last week.
Carmelo is the brother of incumbent Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. who is running for congressman of the first district of Pampanga.
Albayalde is optimistic about his chances of winning. He said that people here want change and an accommodating leader.
"The people are saying that incumbent politicians only show up every three years," Albayalde said. "I am presenting myself as a leader, not a politician. There is a difference between a politician and a leader in the eyes of the people of Angeles."
"I am a soldier," he said. "I cannot make promises I cannot keep."
He said that he was appointed PNP chief under former President Rodrigo Duterte based on his performance, qualifications, and experience. Albayalde was a law enforcer for 38 years.