ILOILO City – A total of 38 aspiring candidates for congressman down to city councilor filed their respective certificates of candidacy (COCs) at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) here from Oct. 1 to Oct. 8.
Three are running for mayor: reelectionist Mayor Jerry Treñas of the National Unity Party (NUP) and regional party Uswag Ilonggo; broadcaster Salvador “Jun” Capulot Jr. of the People’s Reform Party (PRP); and tricycle driver Vicente Ang (independent).
Reelectionist Cong. Julienne “Jamjam” Baronda of NUP and Uswag Ilonggo has three challengers — former mayor Jose “Joe” Espinosa III of the Nacionalista Party (NP), retired doctor Rudy Bantolo, and Atty. Pascual Espinosa Jr., both independent candidates.
Meantime, incumbent Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon is seeking reelection against Mark Khaizer Jadulos of PRP.
On the other hand, 29 candidates are gunning for the local legislature.
Running under NUP and Uswag Ilonggo are incumbents Frances Grace Parcon, Carlos Javellana, Rudolph Jeffrey Ganzon, Ely Estante, Alan Zaldivar, and Romel Duron, as well as Rex Sarabia, Miguel Treñas, John Eric David, Sedfrey Cabaluna, Johnny Young, and Urminico Baronda.
Reelectionists Mandrie Malabor and Candice Magdalene Tupas (Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino or LDP) will run under Uswag Ilonggo, and Lyndon Acap as an independent candidate.
Former councilors Plaridel Nava and Joshua Alim are running again under PROMDI and Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), respectively.
Other candidates for councilor are Peter Abadiano (independent), Romelia Piad (PFP), Efren Gimeo (PFP), Edmundo Pama (PROMDI), Romel Flogen (Nacionalista Party), Vicente Anoche (independent), Mike Chin Jr. (PRP), Felipe Gendania (independent), Jose Espinosa IV (independent), Carmelo “ Mel” Carreon (independent), Rovelson Bagares (independent), and Jose Maria Dela Llana (independent).
In the 2019 elections, 61 candidates filed their COCs.
Meanwhile, city election officer, Atty. Reiner Layson said substitution of candidates and filing of statement of withdrawal will only be until Nov. 15.
“After Nov. 15, we can only effect substitution pertaining to candidates nga napatay or na-disqualify,” said Layson./PN