Bulacan vice governor joining gov race

MALOLOS CITY - A four-cornered fight for the Bulacan governorship looms as Vice Gov. Aurelio Plamenco announced that he is joining the race.

Speaking before capitol employees in Monday’s flag-raising ceremony, Plamenco denied reports that he is retiring, saying that he is joining the United Opposition (UNO) in his apparent bid to become its local standard bearer.

He said he would team up with actor-senior board member Daniel Fernando.

The UNO leadership in Bulacan, however, said they would finalize the local slate only after the opposition’s senatorial lineup is completed, adding that local standard bearers have to go through the selection committee.

Plamenco will be pitted against former governor Roberto Pagdanganan, first district Rep. Willy Alvarado, and board member Jon-jon Mendoza, president of the provincial Association of Barangay Captains and younger brother of outgoing Gov. Josie de la Cruz.

All three are waiting for the "anointing" of Malacañang as the administration’s standard bearer.

Mendoza earlier got the endorsement of the League of Mayors and the League of Barangay Captains.

Mendoza has chosen senior board member Boy Aniag as his running mate.

Earlier, actor Richard Gomez declared that he would run for governor, but later opted to join the senatorial race under the administration’s unity ticket.

Political observers, however, said the number of gubernatorial aspirants may be trimmed down when President Arroyo announces the administration party’s standard bearer.

Plamenco, who has run in tandem with De la Cruz since 1998, bolted the Lakas-CMD last year.