Albano to run vs Dy in 2004?

ROXAS, Isabela — House Majority Floor Leader Rodolfo Albano Jr. (Lakas-CMD, first district) is reportedly gearing up to challenge first-term Gov. Faustino Dy Jr. in next year’s gubernatorial race.

Second district Rep. Edwin Uy, provincial chairman of the Lakas-CMD, told The STAR that Albano has been entertaining the idea that "it is time for him to run for governor."

Albano reportedly declared his political plan during the general directorate meeting of the Lakas-CMD (Christian-Muslim Democrats) at the Makati City residence of House Speaker Jose de Venecia recently.

Uy, who was earlier reported to be also eyeing the gubernatorial post, expects a "very exciting and close fight" should Albano throw his hat into the race.

Uy challenged the Dys in the 1995 gubernatorial race but lost to former governor Benjamin Dy, who succeeded his father, Faustino Dy Sr., who had served as governor for 20 years.

Faustino Jr., a former three-term congressman of the second district, succeeded Benjamin. He is the secretary-general of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC).

Albano, a former Regional Trial Court judge, is considered to be a close political ally of the late Faustino Sr.

Despite Albano’s popularity, he never sought the gubernatorial post because he reportedly promised the Dy patriarch that he would never challenge the Dys in any election.

The STAR tried to reach the camps of Albano and Gov. Dy for comment, but their respective spokesmen said the two officials want to remain silent for the meantime and "wait for further political developments."