Randy David backs out of 2010 race vs Arroyo
MANILA - He promised to be the David to President Arroyo’s Goliath.
But on a day of reckoning, University of the Philippines professor Randy David announced that he will no longer seek a congressional seat to block the plans of President Arroyo to represent the second district of Pampanga.
On Monday, David confirmed to ANC that he is backing out of the 2010 polls. He cited his family and relatives as reasons for his decision.
On the same day, Romulo Macalintal, the election lawyer-turned-political spokesperson of President Arroyo announced that a representative of the incumbent president will file President Arroyo’s certificate of candidacy on Tuesday.
David had promised to challenge President Arroyo if she runs as representative of the second district of Pampanga, a position now held by Arroyo’s son, Mikey.
He had said that "enough is enough," referring to rumored plans of President Arroyo to push for Charter change in Congress, reportedly a way to perpetuate herself in power as the country's prime minister.
David was quick to clarify, however, that while he is not joining the 2010 race, he is not afraid to fight the president.
He said he just wanted to spare his family and relatives from political mudslinging.
"Kung ako lang, suicide kung suicide. Pero ayaw kong isubo ang pamilya ko. (If I’m just considering myself, I have no qualms about committing suicide. But I don’t want to drag my family along," David told ANC.
He said his candidacy forms have been completed and are ready for filing. He backed out after considering that he is not a member of any political party, which may help cushion campaign-related expenses.
He said he’d rather not gamble his family’s meager savings.
Incumbent Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio said he was surprised about David’s decision not to run against President Arroyo for the congressional seat.
The priest-turned-politician said he and his partymates in the Liberal Party were going to support David’s congressional bid.
Panlilio said they are scrambling to talk to at least 2 potential candidates whom they can field to run against President Arroyo in next year’s polls.
They are pressed for time as the deadline for filing of candidacy is on Tuesday, December 1. - with a report from Maricar Bautista, ABS-CBN News
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