Former PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde has not decided yet what to run in the upcoming 2025 polls.
“We’re feeling the ground,” according to Albayalde who met with members of the Capampangan in Media (CAMI) at the Cale Balita inside the Clark Freeport Zone.
Albayalde who is making the rounds in Angeles City and the First Congressional District said he was trying to get the “situation on the ground.” “When you run, it’s a decision of everyone, not only yours. It’s a family decision.”
Albayalde said he follows the example of the late Singapore President Lee Kuan Yew who solved the problem of corruption and illegal drugs with “principles.” “Na solved nila, bakit? It’s because of the head. Iisa ang focus.”
Albayalde said there is a problem in the “level of discipline’ in the police force. He said more than 2,000 cops had been dismissed during his time as PNP chief.
“Let the people judge me with my legacy as Chief PNP,” said Albayalde.
With authority of the Department of Justice, Albayalde said he will face the ICC investigation in the war on drugs if summoned.
Should he throw his towel in the political bandwagon, Albayalde is expected to face either Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Pogi” Lazatin Jr. in the congressional race or Rep. Jon Lazatin II in the mayoral race.
The Pineda political clan had made known their support to the Lazatin brothers made evident during the oathtaking of elected barangay leaders and Sangguniang Kabataan leaders at the Royce Hotel recently.
The Lazatin brothers had also prominently excelled in government service with Mayor Lazatin having accorded the Most Outstanding Kapampangan Award (MOKA) last December 2023 in the City of San Fernando.