Ex-lawmaker Lazatin is alive and farming

By: 11 years ago

Former representative Carmelo Lazatin https://www.congress.gov.ph

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Philippines—Former Pampanga Rep. Carmelo Lazatin, who was implicated in the controversial pork barrel scam, has dispelled rumors that he is dead, saying he is alive and well and has stayed out of politics to become a farmer.

Lazatin, who was also a former mayor of Angeles City, said he took to planting corn after he lost his bid to return as mayor in the 2013 elections.

He was accused of being one of 44 mayors who supposedly requested P5 million each from the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (Acef), allegedly with the help of agents of detained businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles.

Napoles has been accused of funneling pork barrel funds into her fake nongovernment organizations.

“I’m alive. I’m 80 years old and strong, and I won’t be a politician anymore. A civilian life is wonderful. I enjoy the quiet life,” he said.

Lazatin said he has put the Acef controversy behind him as he showed one of his corn farms to the Inquirer on Wednesday.—Tonette Orejas