GAPAN CITY, Nueva Ecija , Philippines – Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office director Jose “Popoy” Taruc V who is looming as the Third Force in the three-way race to the Capitol will announce his bid for the governorship on Nov. 4.
Taruc, son and namesake of broadcaster Joe Taruc, said he would make up his mind whether to challenge reelectionist Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio Umali and comebacking former three-term congresswoman Josie Manuel-Joson - when he turns 32 on Nov. 4.
This, even as Sen. Manuel Villar and his Nationalista Party are reportedly eyeing Taruc to be the NP’s standard-bearer for governor in the province. “None yet,” replied Taruc, when asked about the announcement.
Taruc, 31, the youngest PCSO director ever appointed by President Arroyo, was Umali’s runningmate in the May 2007 elections. Hitting the campaign trail in January 2007 or barely four months before the polls, he was credited with a good showing against incumbent Vice Gov. Edward Thomas Joson.
Despite his 2007 debacle, many analysts were surprised by the younger Taruc’s extensive connections and leadership, showing he can be his own man who can make decisions independent from those of his more illustrious father, Manong Joe, considered an icon in the broadcast industry.
Before deciding to run for vice governor in 2007, Taruc’s father tried to dissuade him to no avail. Manong Joe eventually relented and even threw his all-out support to his bid.
The younger Taruc said when he finally decides to join the gubernatorial race, no one – not even his father, could stop him. “Look, he was against my running for vice governor in 2007 but he could not do anything to stop me and even supported me,” he said.
After the polls, he and Umali parted ways although he said he and the governor remain good friends and that their relationship is still cordial. He said that since 2007, he and Umali met only thrice.
Umali’s ties with his old allies at the Lakas-CMD have soured after he signified interest to tap his younger brother, Anthony Umali as his runningmate in the 2010 polls.