Taruc rules out vice gov bid; may challenge Umali

CABANATUAN CITY– Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Director Jose “Popoy” Taruc V ruled out that he would run anew for vice governor in Nueva Ecija as he dropped hints he might seek the governorship to challenge the reelection bid of his estranged ally, Gov. Aurelio Umali.

Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of a recent PCSO charity caravan here, Taruc categorically declared he was no longer interested in the vice governorship.

“Definitely, my running for vice governor in 2010 is out of the question. Ayoko ng vice governor (I don’t want to be vice governor),” he said, when asked if he would seek the province’s second highest executive post just like in 2007.

“By not seeking the vice governorship, that means I might run for governor, congressman or mayor,” said Taruc, a native of Gapan City.

Taruc, son and namesake of famed broadcaster Joe Taruc, was Umali’s running mate under the Lakas-CMD in 2007 but lost to Vice Gov. Edward Thomas Joson.

Taruc said that as of the moment, he has not yet arrived at a decision on whether he would run for governor. He did not say until when he would make his decision.

At 31, the youngest PCSO director appointed by President Arroyo, Taruc urged the public not to believe reports that he has declared himself as the running mate either of Umali or of comebacking former three-term congresswoman Josie Manuel-Joson.

“There were reports that I allegedly declared myself as the candidate for vice governor of either camp but I never did,” he said, adding these reports were farthest from the truth.

As early as April, Taruc has been rumored to be eyeing the governorship reportedly due to strong lobbying from various groups, including the Kapatiran.

Since the 2007 polls, Taruc reportedly distanced himself from Umali although they have met on at least three occasions, the latest of which, he said, was last month.

He said, however, that he remains a member of Lakas-CMD. “I have not left the party yet. Hindi pa naman (Not yet),” he said.