MikeLigalig.com

Actor-director Cesar Montano announced on Tuesday that he declined President Arroyo’s appointment for him to become film czar so he could focus on his bid to run for governor in the 2010 elections.

Montano has long been rumored to be eyeing Bohol’s top position but has not confirmed his political plans until Tuesday, during an interview over Station dyRD.

 Montano, whose real name is Cesar Manhilot and a registered voter in the town of Baclayon, said he and his family felt honored by President Arroyo’s appointment of him as Presidential Special Envoy for Film and Digital Cinema.

 â€œI am grateful … but I regret to say I could not accept it since this will sidetrack my preparations for a gubernatorial bid in May 2010,” Montano said over the top-rated radio program “Inyong Alagad”.

Montano, who initiated the interview, said he wanted to bring in “change in Bohol politics,” which he said was being “used by politicians for business interests.”

 The actor-director disclosed that he has the support of his family. Wife and actress Sunshine Cruz is actively involved in promoting tourism here.

 Cruz, who talked briefly during the interview, said she fully supported her husband’s political plans.

 Montano’s appointment, which was signed by Ms. Arroyo on May 19, would have accorded Montano diplomatic status.

 When asked if he would seek the support of Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado, Montano only said that he did not “need the blessings” of the governor.

CHATTO, HERRERA REACT

Rep. Edgar Chatto, when asked for comments on Montano's bid said that "if Montano's pronouncement was indeed official (as he did not hear it personally), his decision is well within his prerogative."

"Every qualified citizen has the right to seek public office," the last termer solon said.

For his part, Vice Gov. Herrera, who is on his last term as vice governor, said he understands it if potential gubernatorial aspirants would already be making their move at this time.

“They need to know more about the problems so they have to start now,” he remarked. Herrera added that as far as he is concerned, his priority for the moment to sustain the increase in rice production and address agricultural concerns.

source: Bohol Chronicle

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