By Ben O. Tesiorna

Tired and retired.  This was the statement made by former House Speaker Prospero Nograles when asked if he is seeking an elective position come 2013 elections.

In a text message, Nograles said his time has passed and that his son, Davao City 1st District Representative Karlo Alexei Nograles, could well replace him.

"My own personal opinion is that it's Karlo's age group and generation now and it's probably their turn to get involved and help the country and especially Davao and Mindanao," Nograles said.

"No slant, no intrigues anymore. Just want to be left alone. It's Karlo now," he added.

The elder Nograles has been out of the limelight after losing the mayoralty race to Mayor Sara Duterte in 2010. Unconfirmed reports showed that he is presently in the US.

Nograles' retirement is unexpected by many especially by his arch political rival, Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. The Dutertes have been anticipating another round of a head-on fight with the Nograleses in 2013.

Rumor has it that the elder Nograles will again seek the first congressional district while his son Karlo will run for mayor. But the former House speaker's latest statement has debunked all rumors.

Vice Mayor Duterte however dismissed Nograles' retirement plan.

"He will run, just like he has been all these years," Duterte said. BOT