Lomibao drops political plans in Pangasinan

After a talk with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, former Philippine National Police chief Arturo Lomibao has withdrawn his plans to run for Congress in Pangasinan this May. Sun-Star Pangasinan (www.sunstar.com.ph) reported Thursday that Lomibao disclosed this in a meeting with his supporters at the Perfect Cuisine Restaurant in Mangaldan town. "There are endless expressions of support and I’m sure they will get disappointed. It really breaks my heart to disappoint people who I know would support me. But a decision has to be made, that decision I have made," Lomibao said. He admitted that President Arroyo "convinced" him to drop his plan and instead help in the campaign of the administration senatorial candidates in his area. Lomibao was supposed to face Mrs Arroyo’s known ally, House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr and Dagupan City Mayor Benjamin Lim in Pangasinan's fourth congressional district. But the former police chief admitted dropping his plan was not only difficult but a painful decision as well. "You spent time, money and effort and even friendships, not pursuing your intention which you have made is a really a sacrifice. I hope the same kind of sacrifice would also be made by other politicians or aspirants in the province for the sake of unity and understanding," he told his followers. Lomibao also denied reports he was offered the post of Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) chief in exchange for dropping his political plan. "There was no exchange, she (Mrs Arroyo) just asked me if I could participate or I could help in the campaign for Team Unity senatorial candidates. She did not offer me (any Cabinet position) and I did not ask for any position," he said. Incidentally, the DOTC portfolio is being held by Sec. Leandro Mendoza, himself a former PNP chief. - GMANews.TV