Puerto Princesa mayor files candidacy for senator

Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn files his Certificate of Candidacy before the Commission on Elections Wednesday. He said he will be running as an independent senatorial candidate. FAT REYES/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines – Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn arrived at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) main office Wednesday to file his candidacy for senator.

Hagedorn, in an interview with reporters, said that he was running as an independent.

“I will be the alternative,” he said.

When pressed by reporters about why he made such a surprise move, Hagedorn said that he really had no plans seeking a Senate seat but he just wanted to try his luck.

“I will be holding no more public position in Puerto Princesa as my term will expire ….it’s sad if I retire early from politics,” he said.

Hagedorn also said that he had a talk with former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, who he said asked him to join the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

He quoted Estrada as saying that he was welcome to join the coalition. But he said he declined the offer, saying he wanted to run as an independent.

When pressed for a clarification, Hagedorn said he is not the replacement of Joey de Venecia III, who had withdrawn his candidacy as part of the UNA senatorial slate.

“May be Estrada will help me,” he said when asked if the former president promised support for him.

He said his platforms would center on improving the environment, and that though it would be hard for him since he had no background in law, he would rely on his experience as a local government official.