Mayoralty aspirant and opposition Councilor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr., tested negative on illegal drugs based on the result of a drug test conducted by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Region 3 (PDEA-Region 3).
Lazatin and his team went to PDEA Pampanga Laboratory located in Maimpis, City of San Fernando, Pampanga on November 9 to voluntarily submit themselves for drug testing.
Lazatin said this is in line with the Department of Interior and Local Government’s call for all the local candidates for 2019 midterm elections to undergo voluntary drug testing.
“Every election, simula po ng tayo ay unang beses na humabol ng Konsehal ng Lungsod ng Angeles, we undergo drug testing. Kahit na po nabago na ang rules ng Comelec sa drug testing para sa mga kandidato, ginagawa pa din po natin kasi wala naman po tayong nakikitang masama dito,” Lazatin said.
Lazatin was joined by his line up consist of Vice Mayor candidate Vicky Vega, and Councilor candidates Atty. Arvin “Pogs” Suller, Rudy Simeon, Arvin Louie “Ney” Nepomuceno, Angelito “Mr. In” Indiongco, Philip Pangilinan-Samson, Idy Marie Pamintuan, Aaron “Ron” Pineda and Marino “Niknok” Bañola.
Lazatin’s line-up also tested negative on illegal substances based on PDEA’s drug test results.
Lazatin, who filed his certificate of candidacy last October 16 under Partido Federalismo ng Pilipinas (PFP), said he will prioritize programs and projects to ensure that Angeles City will be drug-cleared, if elected.
He added that he is planning for the establishment of functional Barangay Drug Anti-Drug Abuse Councils throughout the city’s 33 barangays and a community-based reformation center that will provide trainings and livelihood for drug law offenders.
“We will also encourage and mobilize Sangguniang Kabataan officials to become active anti-drug advocates and implement a unified drug advocacy program for the youth,” Lazatin said.
Lazatin said his program will center on providing basic quality services to Angeleños such as improvement of public health services, education, extensive solid waste management program, and infrastructure development.
Lazatin also vowed to continue the legacy of his father, former Angeles City Mayor and First District Pampanga Congressman Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin.