ILOILO – The 2nd District has officially committed to supporting the Defensor-Debuque tandem in the upcoming May 12, 2025 national and local elections.
Dr. Kathryn Joyce Fermin-Gorriceta, who is running unopposed for the congressional seat in the 2nd District and wife of incumbent Cong. Michael Gorriceta, confirmed that the district’s leaders have agreed to back the re-election bid of Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. and the vice-gubernatorial candidacy of Anilao mayor Nathalie Ann Debuque.
This unified support was evident when nearly all the mayors from the 2nd District were present during the filing of the certificates of candidacy (COC) for the Defensor-Debuque tandem on October 7.
Among those who showed their support were Alimodian’s Mayor Ian Keneth Alfeche, San Miguel’s Mayor Marina Luz Gorriceta, Leon’s Mayor Ma. Lina Holipas, Zarraga’s Mayor Jofel Soldevilla, Pavia’s Mayor Laurence Anthony Gorriceta, and Santa Barbara’s Mayor Dennis Superficial.
Dr. Gorriceta explained that consultations were conducted with local officials in the 2nd District to determine which candidates to support for governor and vice governor.
“The consensus, majority of our local leaders align with Governor Defensor and his partner, Mayor Nathalie Ann Debuque, for various reasons, including the continuation of projects and programs. Personally, we are in full agreement with Governor Defensor and his running mate,” Dr. Gorriceta said.
The 2nd District’s support for Debuque now means that three of Iloilo’s congressional districts are backing her candidacy. The 3rd District, a stronghold of the Defensor family, and the 4th District, the bailiwick of the Biron family, have both endorsed Debuque for vice governor.
As for the 1st District, Cong. Janette Garin mentioned that their political leaders have not yet reached a decision and that she believes the competition between Debuque and 5th District’s Cong. Raul Tupas for the vice-gubernatorial post might still be settled.
Tupas, who is in his third and final term as congressman, filed his COC for vice governor on October 5./PN
