NEWSFLASH

IMELDA PAPIN TO RUN FOR CONGRESS

Manila, May 19, 2000 - Camarines Sur Gov. Luis R. Villafuerte has formally announced that Asia’s Sentimental Songstress and Jukebox Queen Imelda Papin, currently vice governor of Camarines Norte, will be LAMP’s official candidate for Congress in the 3rd district. Gov. Villafuerte is also chairman of the LAMP Party in Bicol.

The announcement came after Ms. Papin’s formal affiliation with the ruling party.

After the proclamation, Imelda Papin issued the following statement:

"Since my election as your provincial Vice Governor, I have always anchored my style of governance under the aegis of democratic process coupled with strong vigilant stance on several issues particularly on crucial legislative and administrative concerns including political agenda even if in the process it would make me unpopular to the kingmakers for as long as my crusade will protect and uphold the interest of the small people or my less privileged constituents.

"Previously on several occasions, I stood against Governor Villafuerte on political principles and out of personal conviction in the pursuit of what we separately believe in. I did all these with candor and honesty - trabaho lamang po ito at walang personalan. Despite these differences my friendship and personal respect for Governor Villafuerte have remained true and steadfast.

"I am not an obstructionist of progress and desired stability. Nor did I assume the role of an oppositionist for the sake and heck of it. But, for the purpose of constructive fiscalizing where check and balance must rule and prevail instead of absolute subservience to the powers that be. I am what I am - pure and simple public servant disguised only as a politician.

"Today, I formally announce my firm and unwaivering political alliance with Governor Villafuerte and manifest full support in his programs and stewardship of the province.

"The sustained implementation of projects, economic and social infrastructures and growth of the province have slowly removed us from the prominent list of the most depressed province in the country at present. Although, much is yet to be done in order to completely deliver and free our people from the shackles of poverty.

"Let us therefore heed this urgent call for Unity. The next election is near only for the weakling but simply means a lot of hardwork for the strong and time tested public servants.

"Our basic agenda for progress must now take the forefront thereby removing any obstacle of political partisanship to attain a sustainable socio-economic development in our midst.

"We shall fulfill our covenant of progress, peace and development with the people of Camarines Sur with sheer determination and persistence.

"We must fight against poverty and deprivation up to the finish and I will personally pursue this war, side by side with Governor Villafuerte as my battle tested comrade and knight in shining armor. United we stand, divided we fall."