Bacolod City Councilor Ricardo Tan backed out on plans to run for Bacolod City mayor in the upcoming 2019 midterm elections.

During a press conference yesterday afternoon, the city official said he is setting aside his plans as the time for his “crusade for good governance” has not yet come.

“I don’t want to force the issue,” Tan stated. “There is always a time for every purpose.”

According to the city councilor, over the last two years, he has went all around the city consulting residents and understanding their sentiment.

Tan said he knows his announcement could generate attacks, malicious imputations, and unfounded accusations, but believes the truth will eventually triumph.

He explained, it was not an easy decision.

“I am very serious about my plan, however, unfortunate events intervened that lead to this decision,” he said.

Tan noted, he tried reaching out to others, including potential allies, but often times they were waiting for “the trumpet to sound” before proceeding.

He added, the decision was made without considerations from any person or political group and that it was supported by his family, advisers, and political leaders.

Tan was earlier named as a potential candidate for the local opposition party, Magbinuligay Kita para sa Kauswagan (MKK).

With Tan’s decision, the MKK lineup for the midterm polls remains unclear. Although, it was earlier reported, Vladimir Gonzales, MKK’s 2016 candidate for Bacolod City vice mayor, may run for mayor in 2019.

Top positions for the ruling Grupo Progreso, led by incumbent Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, have already been formed. They are presently preparing their city councilor lineup./DGB, WDJ