Peping pitted vs Yap’s son in Tarlac gov race

TARLAC CITY – Former congressman Jose "Peping" Cojuangco is challenging a son of Gov. Jose Yap in the gubernatorial race in Tarlac.

Cojuangco is running under the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) party, while Vic Yap is a candidate of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats and Nationalist People’s Coalition.

The elder Yap is gunning for the second district congressional post.

The Yaps filed their certificates of candidacy with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) here last Wednesday.

Cojuangco was a former congressman of Tarlac’s first district, and his wife, Tingting, was a three-term governor.

Vic Yap said he has dedicated his life to serve the Tarlaqueños. "I am constantly asking myself, ‘Is this (capitol) my territory?’ The clear answer is yes," he said.

"I assure you that the economic gains we have achieved in the past nine years would continue," he said.

Gov. Yap said his son is capable of making the province more prosperous. "Vic is the right man for the job and he will be a better governor than me," he said.

No less than President Arroyo endorsed father and son during her recent visit to Concepcion town.

Political observers, however, said the better experienced Cojuangco has a greater chance of winning the gubernatorial race, adding that Vic Yap is a newcomer in Tarlac politics and not yet well known to Tarlaquenos.

In the second congressional district race, Jeci Lapus, brother of Education Secretary Jesli Lapus, is running under the Kampi party.

Former congressman Hermie Aquino is also eyeing the second district as a candidate of Lakas-CMD. Lapus and Aquino are distant relatives.