BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.
Carmelo “Mel” Carreon, an 83-year-old perennial candidate known for his determination in pursuing public office, has officially filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for the congressional seat in this city.
This marks Carreon’s 12th attempt at securing an elected position, having previously run for various offices over the past three decades – and lost them all.
Known for his unique campaign style – wearing a sash or body placard – he was the first to file his COC yesterday for the May 12, 2025 midterm elections.
Will the early bird catch the worm this time?
An insurance agent by profession, Carreon’s previous bids for public office included runs for senator, president, city councilor, vice mayor, and mayor of Iloilo City.
In the upcoming elections, he is setting his sights on the city’s lone congressional seat, though he has chosen to keep his political platform under wraps for now, citing concerns about others “copying” his ideas.
Despite his history of electoral defeats, Carreon remains optimistic. In the 2022 elections, he ran for city councilor and secured a spot in the Top 20 out of 28 candidates. Garnering over 27,000 votes, he viewed positively the results as a sign of increasing voter awareness and support for his candidacy.
”I am thankful. Despite nga si Mel Carreon one-man army lang, they supported me,” he told “Panay News.
He added: “Mel Carreon isn’t afraid to challenge high-profile candidates,” recalling his previous attempt to run for the Senate before switching to the mayoral race in 2019. That marked his third run for mayor, after unsuccessful bids in 1998 and 2001.“Kon senador ka, mabisa ka sa Senate President, mabisa ka sa Cabinet members, kag mabisa ka sa Malacañang. Pero kon mayor ka, mga foreign kag national leaders ga-courtesy call sa imo,” he said.
With an electoral journey often characterized by resilience, Carreon has often likened his political battles to a gladiator fighting for survival, undeterred by past losses.
“Ga away lang sa unseen arena for survival. Ti amo na si Mel Carreon,” he said, reflecting on his one-man campaign efforts.
When asked about his future political plans after his 2022 election loss, Carreon acknowledged that his health may play a deciding factor.
“Depende sa health kag sa bulsa…kon maayo ang lawas ko I will never stop,” he said, adding that his decision to continue running will be guided by his doctor’s recommendations.
Describing himself as an “unrecognized Ilonggo global celebrity”, Carreon has championed various causes, from advocating for the welfare of senior citizens to proposing reforms in water utility rates, public comfort room facilities, and escalator operations in malls.
He also expressed ambitions to elevate Iloilo City’s progress, comparing it to major Philippine cities like Makati, Quezon City, and Davao City.
“Imagine the three decades of sacrifice he has made,” Carreon urged Ilonggos, as he continues his political pursuit with renewed determination.
Despite his long-standing streak of losses, Mel Carreon embodies the spirit of perseverance, proving once again that he is not ready to throw in the towel. For him, each election is a step closer to his goal of serving the Ilonggo people, no matter the odds./PN
