DA chief fields son for Quezon governor

MANILA, Philippines - Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala has fielded his congressman-son Irvin for governor of Quezon.

The young Alcala, who is on his first term as congressman and is qualified for two more terms, is up against incumbent Gov. David Suarez, son of outgoing third district Rep. Danilo Suarez, who heads the minority bloc in the House of Representatives.

“Procy fielded his son for governor even though the younger Alcala is just a neophyte congressman and could run for a second term, and a third term after his second. They could have decided not to oppose Gov. Suarez’s re-election,” Rep. Suarez told reporters yesterday.

He said the Agriculture secretary obviously wanted his son to seek the gubernatorial post while the elder Alcala is a member of the Cabinet.

“They also want to take advantage of President Aquino’s popularity, like the senatorial candidates of the administration,” he said.

Secretary Alcala and Suarez were allies during the Arroyo administration. They both received huge amounts of 11th-hour pork barrel fund releases during then President Arroyo’s last months in office.

Alcala was on his second term as second district representative when he joined the Aquino Cabinet.

Rep. Alcala is among several House members seeking local posts.

They include Bem Noel of the party-list group An Waray, who is running for mayor of Tacloban City; Jesus Crispin Remulla, for mayor of Tagaytay City; Rex Gatchalian, for mayor of Valenzuela City; Edgar San Luis, for governor of Laguna; and Rodolfo Albano, for mayor of Cabagan, Isabela.

Albano’s son Rodito, the incumbent vice governor of Isabela and a former congressman, is seeking to return to the House.