TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines- Cagayan Vice Governor Melvin Vargas Jr reacted on the plan of Governor Manuel Mamba to run for vice governor in the 2019 elections.
Mamba, in his speech during the visit of Senator Bam Aquino in Cagayan on October 17, said he may not run for re-election as governor in the next elections.
“Although I may not have my second term. Siguro sa second term ko, vice governor muna ako,” Mamba said.
In an interview on Tuesday, October 24, Vargas told The Northern Forum that it is too “early and premature” to discuss plans for the 2019 midterm polls.
“Unang-una sa lahat, wala pa po sa isip ko ang about po sa campaign, at about po sa elections po ng 2019. Masiyado pong premature ‘yan, napakaaga na pag-usapan at ang prayoridad po natin supposedly ay itong present,” Vargas said.
“Marami po tayong kailangan ayusin, marami po tayong kailangan bantayan, pag-aralan, lalung-lalo na sa proposal ng ating Annual Investment Program, pati na rin po ang ating executive budget,” he added.
He said government officials like him and Mamba should focus first in their current obligations and priorities.
Vargas, however, said it would be an “honor” to face Mamba for the vice gubernatorial race since he is known as veteran in politics.
“Pero kung sakali pong tayo ay magrere-elect at maghaharap po kami sa 2019, isang malaking karangalan, dahil knowing him being a political veteran, naging mayor, congressman, governor at mag-slide down to vice governor- kung tayo po ay magrere-elect,” he said. Northernforum.net
