Angara withdraws gubernatorial bid in shocking announcement

BALER, Aurora, December 20, 2012-Sen. Edgardo Angara, who is eyeing the governorship of his province in the 2013 elections, yesterday announced he was withdrawing from the race in  a shocking announcement that jolted Aurorans, much the same way they greeted the stunning knockout loss of Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.

          Less than four months after he launched his gubernatorial bid during his 78^th birthday celebration here last September 30,  Angara made the announcement following a   meeting with local political leaders at his residence in Barangay Reserva at around 11 am   yesterday.

          He will be replaced as standard-bearer of the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino by his younger brother, Baler Mayor Arthur Angara.

          The STAR called all the Angaras – Senator Angara,  his Congressman Juan Edgardo, his sister Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo and the     senator’s running mate and nephew Rommel - for their statements. But for one reason or another, none of them returned the calls nor can be reached.   

          But a local political leader of the Angaras, who was privy to the meeting but  who begged off anonymity, confirmed  the meeting and the announcement.

          The senator, the leader said,   told those present that he received a position in the Cabinet which he had accepted. He declined to specify what particular position it was.

          Those present were the governor, Rommel and Mayor Angara who was himself reportedly taken aback by the announcement. Some of the Angaras’ political leaders reportedly even shed tears.

          Mayor Arthur was earlier tipped to run against Vice Gov. Gerardo Noveras but he was viewed as a “weak” bet to mount a serious challenge  to the vice governor.

          Sources said one of the compelling reasons for the senator’s withdrawal, aside from the offer was the low ranking of his son, Congressman Angara in recent surveys. The Harvard-educated congressman, a recipient of the prestigious Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM), was ranked 13^th in the latest Social Weather Stations Survey, down from a high of seven a months ago.

          Only last month, the senator called on his political leaders in the province to explain to Aurorans that he would not be able to devote himself full-time in the campaign trail because he would also be helping his son out. “Tell them I have to help Sonny in his own senatorial bid,” he said, adding that anyway, people ask for him in places where his son goes for consultations.    

          Angara is the longest-serving senator in the post-Edsa Senate with Aurora leaders saying it’s about time the province benefit from the services of its own son. (Manny Galvez)