MABALACAT, Pampanga – Residents of this first class municipality may see a daughter running against her father in the 2010 mayoral elections.

Incumbent Mayor Marino Morales’ youngest daughter, Marjorie Morales Sambo, has publicly announced her intention to run against her father in the next elections.

“Sambo, who has served as chairman of the Sangguniang Kabataan of the town for six years, said she would definitely run for mayor next year, pitting herself against her father who has been the mayor of this highly urbanized town since 2007.

Sambo said she “could bring change” to the people of Mabalacat and could serve them well.

“We should give the youth the chance to lead the change for our town,” Sambo said.

But Mayor Morales said he believes that his daughter’s decision may change because the election period is still far.

“I’m still praying that she would change her mind and just join our ticket,” Morales said.

Morales added that he wants his daughter to run as councilor or board member in Pampanga’s first district.

However, Sambo said that she had already told her father about her intention to run for mayor earlier. She rejected her father’s suggestions to run for councilor or board member.

“I have nothing against my father. It’s just so happen that I am really eager to bring change to our town,” Sambo said. Morales said he still wants his daughter to think more.

“I know she loves me as her father and we hope to settle this before the filing of certificate of candidacy,” Morales said.

Sambo, 33, is married to real estate contractor and former town councilor John Sambo from Sto. Tomas town.