By Francis Allan L. Angelo

WHO’S afraid of Friday the 13th?

Not Presidential Adviser on Water Lorenzo “Larry” H. Jamora who will formally launch his candidacy for Iloilo City mayor on the date usually associated to bad luck in this country.

“My announcement will finally clear the air about my intentions for the 2010 elections in Iloilo City. There are some who ask me if I will run for congressman. This announcement will put the issue to rest,” Jamora said.

Jamora said his announcement will also prove that his family is 100% behind his bid as even his 96-year-old mother will be present.

“My intention to run for mayor and serve the city is not just a personal commitment but also a family matter. Our family will be there to prove that they are one with me,” he added.

But Jamora said there will be no surprises when he announces his intention to run for mayor as he will reveal his slate on another date.

He said he is still talking to personalities who want to run as vice mayor, councilor or even congressman.

But Jamora said he has yet to reach an agreement with Mayor Jerry P. Treñas who is running for congressman opposite Rep. Raul T. Gonzalez Jr.

As regards national politics, Jamora said he is committed to help Defense Sec. Gilbert Teodoro, the presidential bet of Partido Lakas Kampi (PLK), because of their close family and professional ties.

Teodoro is a nephew of beverage tycoon Eduardo Cojuangco whose wife Gretchen is related to the Jamora-Oppen families.

PLK is set to arbitrate if who between Jamora and Sec. Raul M. Gonzalez Sr. will be the administration’s mayoral bet in Iloilo City.

But with or without the nomination of a national party, Jamora said will still run for mayor.

“I can even run alone in the city if I want to. If there are people who will join my cause, so be it,” he said.

Jamora vowed to improve tax collection to generate more revenues for the city government. He also mulls to offer incentives to business investors to create more jobs in the metropolis, particularly in the business processes outsourcing sector.  

Jamora was administrator of the Local Water Utilities Administration and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System before being assigned as presidential adviser on waters.