DAVAO CITY – Incumbent Vice Mayor Bernard Al-ag is retiring from politics after his stint ends on June 30, 2019.
This developed after his party’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) reportedly picked another running mate for Mayor Sara Duterte.
“I will exit gracefully,” Al-ag said in an interview with reporters on Monday.
He added that e will go back to private practice as an optometrist. He, however, said he will remain supportive of Mayor Sara’s administration even outside of politics.
“Magkahiusa ta para sa kaayuhan sa Davao (We should unite for the good of the city,” Al-ag said.
Al-ag is on his last term as city councilor when he took the helm of the vice mayor following the resignation of former vice mayor Paolo Duterte in December 2017.
Al-ag, who first entered politics in 2010 as a city councilor representing the third district, is allowed to run for councilor because his last term was interrupted.
Al-ag was among the contenders for vice mayor of the HNP. He said his decision not to seek for another term at the City Council was influenced by the party’s decision to pick another running mate for Mayor Sara.
Al-ag said his older brother, Wigberto, a former city councilor who is currently a barangay captain, will take his place for the City Council seat.
“Dili maayo nga duha na mi diha sa konseho (It is not good if both of us are members of the city council),” he said.
Al-ag also took the chance of thanking President Rodrigo Duterte, Mayor Sara, former vice mayor Paolo, members of the city council, family and the staff of the Sangguniang Panlungsod for their trust and confidence.
“I shall always find ways to help our beloved city,” Al-ag said. (Lilian C Mellejor/PNA)
