Paraan Council Run: all systems go

While a news feature reported late last year that he may withdraw his candidacy for the City Council of Baguio, Rudolfo “Rudz” Paraan’s campaign is all set and ready to be launched on March 30, 2013, the first day of the official campaign period for local elections.

Boosted by the outpouring of support from relatives, friends and other concerned citizens, Paraan’s bid for a council seat is currently in full gear. “While the reality of Philippine politics almost derailed my candidacy, particularly due to lack of funds and so-called ‘political machinery’, my faith in our democracy and the people of Baguio has been renewed with the support of people who care enough for our city. With that, I am looking forward to seeing this journey through and I sincerely believe that with the right leadership, Baguio will rise once again the most beautiful city in the country,” Paraan said.

While traditional politicians are expected to forward their respective bids fuelled primarily by money, Paraan’s campaign will be conducted strictly according to the rules regulations set by the Commission on Elections. “If a candidate can easily break the law during the campaign period, what kind of public service can you expect from them if they’re elected? My campaign will be run decently and most importantly, legally. We will keep within the limits set by the law. Payo nga ng yumao kong ama (the late Col. Fancisco “Ping” Paraan, former Police Chief and OIC Mayor of Baguio),“simple lang naman ang buhay. Alamin mo lang kung ano ang tama at mali. Kapag mali, huwag mong gawin. At kung ikaw nama’y nasa tama, gawin mo ang lahat upang itaguyod at ipaglaban ito.”
Rudz Paraan is running under the local LP coalition slate with Mark Go running for congressman, Jose Molintas for Mayor. Aside from Paraan, those included in the party’s council slate are Art Allad-iw, DerekBautista, Raye Baquirin, Edison Bilog, Isabelo Cosalan, Jr., John Glenn Gaerlan, Bruce Limmayog, RobOcampo, Faustino Olowan and Lilia Yaranon.