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IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay (MindaNews/01 July)—Defeated Zamboanga Sibugay gubernatorial bet Rommel Jalosjos on Friday said he was leaving politics and withdrawing the election protest against his rival in the May 13 polls.
Rommel, son of former congressman and acknowledged political kingpin Romeo “Nonong” Jalosjos Sr., said in a press conference that he was asking his father’s blessings for his decision.
The younger Jalosjos ran under his father’s Alliance of Parties for Progress (APP).
“I’m leaving politics for good! I will not seek any position in the coming elections. I just want to be an ordinary citizen of this province, Zamboanga Sibugay,” said Jalosjos, who had filed an election protest against Liberal Party (LP) bet and newly installed Governor Wilter Palma.
The losing politician said he would convince his father to let him leave politics and withdraw the protest to ease tensions between the opposing political parties.
“Election is over and I would like to let the Sibugaynons know that I welcome the new administration. Let’s forget politics and concentrate now on public service and good governance,” he added.
Tensions between APP and LP supporters continued even after May 13 due to accusations of cheating by both sides.
Jalosjos said tensions would ease if he withdraws his protest and extends the hand of friendship to the winning party.
But Jalosjos clarified that he will not leave the province and will build a coffee business in Ipil and a foundation as his way of helping the needy.
“You don’t have to be a politician if you really want to help and serve the people,” he said. (Paulnazer Lontua/MindaNews)