LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Benguet Caretaker Congressman and Anti-Crime and Terrorism through Community Involvement and Support (ACT-CIS) Party-list Rep. Eric Yap underscored that former Gov. Crescensio C. Pacalso, who earlier withdrew his certificate of candidacy (COC) for the province’s lone congressional seat, still enjoys his utmost respect for being a staunch advocate of transparent, clean and good governance when he served the people of Itogon and the province in various positions.
Yap, who chairs the powerful House Committee on Appropriations, disclosed that of his supposed rivals in the province’s lone congressional district, it was only former Gov. Pacalso who did not issue unfair, unfounded, biased and malicious statements against him and he never heard from the said official negative remarks on the way he delivered the appropriate services to the people, especially during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
The lawmaker claimed he was saddened upon learning of Pacalso’s withdrawal from the province’s congressional race as it would have been a healthy competition among those who are aspiring to be the next representative of Benguet to the House of Representatives.
Congressman Yap expressed hope that he will be able to work with the former governor in any aspect of governance so that they will be able to work as a team in pursuing the development thrust of Benguet.
Earlier, former Gov. Pacalso withdrew his candidacy for the province’s congressional race, saying that his backing out from the race was his own decision to give chances for the young and upcoming politicians to lead the province to greater heights.
The withdrawal of Pacalso from the province’s congressional race for the upcoming May 9, 2022 synchronized national and local elections reduced to 4 the aspirants for the coveted post where Yap will be challenged by 3-term Itogon Mayor Victorio T. Palangdan, whistle-blower Torzon Keith, and former boardmember Samson Paran.
The lawmaker claimed he is more inspired to continue bringing high impact development projects to remote villages in the province and sustain the delivery of government services immediately access to the constituency.
Congressman Yap assured Benguet residents there will be more assistance for given to them not only for the remaining part of the year but also for the succeeding months next year to help them cope with the serious negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to their economic activities and sources of livelihood.
He expressed his gratitude to the people of Benguet for allowing him to serve their needs, especially during this public health crisis, as the province’s legislative caretaker and that he is hopeful he can work to improve the lives of a greater majority of the populace for the limited period of time given to him, thus, he wants to continue the same work in the coming years. By HENT
