Environmentalist and philanthropist Gretchen Oppen Cojuangco yesterday announced that she has decided not to run for congresswoman of the fourth district of Negros Occidental in May.

Negros Occidental Gov. Joseph Marañon last night said La Carlota Mayor Jeffrey Ferrer will run for congressman of the fourth district as the official candidate of the Nationalist People's Coalition-United Negros Alliance in Cojuangco's place.

Board Member Ike Barredo, who has also expressed his intention to run for congressman of the fourth district if Cojuangco withdrew, last night said "I will run if chosen by the party, but if not I will just keep my options open."

Cojuangco, in a five paragraph statement, said she has decided not to run for any political position in the coming elections. "I am sure the district will benefit from the wisdom of my generation combined with the dynamism of the young," she said.

"Two weeks ago, I was asked by a friend whether or not I was running for congresswoman of the fourth district. I said yes at the moment because I was really running… but I was quick to add that I did not know whether that would hold true in the coming days."

To her friends and would-be constituents who believed in her capabilities and were enthusiastic about her being a candidate, Cojuangco said "I apologize for having disappointed you in your expectations."

"Let us remain united and work together as we choose public officials who share the same vision and mission with us and will therefore be approachable and accessible to assist us in our goal for a better life for everyone, especially for our less fortunate brethren now - and for our future generations," she said.

"Let us exercise our civic duty, let us vote wisely," she also said. Cojuangco said she continued praying for guidance and "After all these weeks of trying to discern the path that I should take, I have come to the conclusion that is better to continue pursuing my personal advocacies for women, children and the environment outside of politics; that the Almighty Father would rather I remain in private life, doing my duties as a wife, mother and grandmother."

She also said that it is her belief that in her personal capacity she can be more efficient and helpful to this great country, "unhampered by bureaucratic realities."

Her son, Rep. Carlos Cojuangco (Neg. Occ., 4th district), said his mother prays a lot and has sought guidance in her decision.

Maybe she believes that it doesn't have to be us all the time running for office, there also others who can do the job, we know how to fit in, the solon said.*CPG

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