ILOILO – Before the close of the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) for the May 12, 2025 elections, a 28-year-old woman stepped forward to challenge Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. for the governorship of the province.
Mary Frances Chloe Noble, a resident of Barangay Baybay Sur in Miag-ao town, filed her COC as an independent candidate on Tuesday afternoon, October 8.
Describing herself as a “home-based military analyst for the United States”, Noble expressed her desire to offer a “better future” for the people of Iloilo, particularly for Ilonggo migrants in the US.
“I’m running for governor. I hope voters will support me. I am ready to provide a better future for the people of Iloilo,” said Noble.
Although new to provincial politics, Noble said she is no stranger to elections, having previously ran for barangay captain, though she was unsuccessful.
Noble hopes for a fair and friendly competition between her and Governor Defensor.
“May the election be conducted in the spirit of sportsmanship,” she said in her message to Defensor who is seeking his third consecutive and final three-year term.
Defensor filed his COC under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas on October 6./PN
