BACOLOR -- Former mayor Ananias "Jun" Canlas expressed Tuesday his intention to run for vice mayor here next year.

Canlas said he will be the running mate of mayoralty aspirant Ferdinand "Dinan" Labung, a former board member in the third district.

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He described their tandem as a "formidable team to beat" in the 2010 elections.

Canlas served as mayor here from 1995 to 2001.

"My decision to join politics again is due to the intense demand of the people of Bacolor. I am in no position to deny them this very crucial request," Canlas said before some residents of Barangay San Isidro here during a late evening public consultation with Labung.

Labung, for his part, said that the popularity and experience of Canlas in public service would be a significant advantage in the coming elections.

He said Canlas has been popular with "agricultural folks" for his agricultural programs in his past terms.

"Kayabe ming adwa, lalu lang midinan at lumabung ing pansin king kabiyayan keni Bacolor king dane pamag ortelanu at aliwa pang pweding panakitan (With our tandem, livelihood and agriculture in Bacolor will be given more attention)," Labung said.

Labung also announced that his lineup for 2010 has already been finalized. He said those running for councilor in his ticket include Emily Batac, Danny Danganan, Ver Gomez, Ener Canlas, Jun Banawa, Jimmy Sama, lawyer Daryl Liangco and Ner Evaristo.