Known for his nickname “Pogi,” Coun. Carmelo Gurion Lazatin, Jr. was born on August 28, 1969 in Angeles City. Pogi is the son of former Pampanga First District Representative and the first and only three-term Mayor of Angeles City Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin.

Pogi graduated from Republic Central Colleges with a degree of Bachelor of Science Major in Business Administration. He furthered his studies by taking up Master in Business Administration and Master in Public Administration, which he finished in 2011 and 2018, respectively, at the Republic Central Colleges.

Before entering politics, Pogi had already exhibited his exemplary leadership skills in the private sector as President of Biotop Philippines Agriculture Co., Inc. (2008 to present), Director of Casablanca Casino, Hotel Stotsenberg (2007 to 2017), President of Lago Waterworks, Inc. (1990 to present), and Treasurer of Amalgamated Builders Construction, Inc. (1990 to present).

Pogi became a Councilor in Angeles City in 2013. For years, he was able to illustrate a continued and unparalleled brand of public service that were lauded by his colleagues in the Angeles City Council.

Being a member of the minority, he opposed the passage of Tax Ordinance No. 6, Series of 2013 or the ordinance increasing the Real Property Tax in Angeles City.

He also championed pro-environment legislation by being the author of Ordinance No. 364, Series of 2015 or the ordinance regulating the use of and distribution of plastic bags and prohibiting the use of Styrofoam/styrofor.

He also pushed for an ordinance that seeks to amend the Charter of the City College by providing free tuition free to all City College Students.

He also authored a proposed ordinance that seeks to provide free mandatory annual physical check-ups for senior citizens of Angeles City.

To date, Pogi has authored and co-authored 80 proposed ordinances and resolutions.

Aside from his legislative duties, Pogi was also active in providing social services to his constituents. He was able to provide P5000,000 worth of various medical assistance; provided rice package to some 500 senior citizens; provided television sets to 32 day care centers; and sponsored 20 feeding programs in various barangays and schools in Angeles City.

At present, Pogi is the sole minority in the Angeles City Council. He is also the Chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology.

Pogi, like his father, Tarzan, believes that quality public service can be best delivered through realization and implementation with less talk and promises.

“The cooperation and trust of the people can be best achieved if every public official will be more output-oriented rather than focusing on words,” Pogi said.