"Some people say I will be running against the budget of the Republic of the Philippines, but I'm running for congressman of the fifth district of Negros Occidental just the same."

Thus said former Rep. Jose Apolinario Lozada, who is challenging the re-election bid of presidential brother-in-law Ignacio Arroyo who is going for a second term.

Lozada was one of six candidates who filed their certificates of candidacy before Negros Occidental provincial elections officer Jessie Suarez in Bacolod City yesterday.

Others who filed their CoCs were Jorge Araneta Camposano (Kilusang Bagong Lipunan) who is running for congressman of the fourth district, Rey Siason (LP) for board member third district, Julio Javellana (KBL) - board member fourth district, Janus Jarder (Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino) - board member third district and Ernesto Librando (PMP) - congressman first district.

Lozada, a foreign service officer and economist, had served as congressman of the fifth district for two terms before he was defeated by Arroyo in 2004. Arroyo yesterday said the outcome of the elections in May will determine whom the people think is the better congressman of the district.

"I welcome Lozada's entry into the race, at least the people will have a choice," he said.

Lozada, who was appointments secretary of then President Fidel Ramos, said he informed his former boss about his decision to run. The former solon said he was also Lakas vice president for international affairs, a founding member, and drafted the first constitution of the party but was dumped by the party in favor of Arroyo in 2004.

Lozada, who is now running under the Liberal Party/Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan, said he looks at his chances of winning in a very positive way, "I think everything is very favorable for me at this time."

"If we base our service to the nation and participation in a democratic exercise on how much is spent, this nation will never be able to encourage young people who would like to serve the country but do not have enough money to spend to do so," he said.

"If everything is based on money then nothing will really happen to this country," he said, of the perceived formidable financial resources of his opponent.

There is no future for us if we do not offer ourselves to sacrifice for the country so we will have checks and balances in government, he said.

Besides one cannot buy everybody with money, he said.

Lozada said he will not comment on the personal problems of Arroyo during the campaign.

"I respect his personal life and I don't like to take advantage of that," he said. Let us put this democratic exercise on a much higher plane, he added.

Jorge Araneta Camposano, 60, of the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan yesterday also filed his CoC to run for congressman of the fourth district of Negros Occidental saying he was not daunted by the funds available to his opponent.

He is running against La Carlota Mayor Jeffery Ferrer, husband of the granddaughter of the late Roberto Benedicto, for congressman.

Camposano, a Certified Public Accountant who worked abroad but later decided to return to Bago City, where he owns a small farm and a beach resort, said he believes he is the better candidate.

"In terms of competence I think I have the leadership capabilities, exposure to different types of organizational realities, a wealth of experience in management and administration," he said, and "a heart for the poor."

Under a democracy, he said, "money should not count but ability and sincerity in serving the people and I hope to open the door for this kind of new political paradigm."

After 23 years as a mediaman working for Bombo Radyo, Siason said he is well oriented in public service.

"I have always wanted to serve the people, that is why I am running for board member of the third district," he said, stressing that his priority will be educational reforms and health development programs.

Javellana said he is running because he is a farmer and just wants to help the farmers in the fourth district.*CPG

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