Same clans rule COC filing in Eastern Visayas
TACLOBAN CITY — Known political clans stole the spotlight in the weeklong filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) in the six provinces of Eastern Visayas, with some of them running unopposed or against unpopular candidates.
In Leyte province, Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla said they have talked with opposing parties in towns not to run against each other and allowed incumbents to secure another term.
“The equity of the incumbent is only a guide to make things easier. Whoever is the incumbent, our request is for them to continue, whether they are aligned with me or with Speaker Martin Romualdez. We support each other,” Petilla told reporters.
Petilla, who is seeking a second term, has two opponents who have never held any elective posts. The governor’s family, who has been ruling the province since 1998, has an alliance with the Romualdez family.
Three of them who are running for five district representatives in Leyte have no strong challenges — Speaker Martin (1st District), Rep. Lolita Karen Javier (2nd District), and Rep. Carl Cari (5th District).
Article continues after this advertisementRep. Richard Gomez (4th District) will run against former Court of Appeals Associate Justice Vicente Veloso III.
Article continues after this advertisementIn the 3rd District, the reelection bid of Veloso’s daughter, Rep. Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon, is challenged by a relative, Emmanuel Veloso, an ally of Gomez.
In Eastern Samar, Gov. Ben Evardone withdrew his candidacy Tuesday afternoon. He was replaced by his son, Ralph Vincent, an incumbent councilor of Sulat town and president of the councilor’s league in the province.
“To set the record straight and put all speculations to rest, I have decided to yield my political ambitions to help the administration in its programs and projects, especially in ensuring the victory of the administration’s senatorial candidates,” said Evardone, who will complete his second term as governor next year.
Ralph Vincent’s gubernatorial bid is supported by the majority of mayors and village officials in Eastern Samar. He will face Quinapondan town Mayor Rafael Abesias, who filed his COC for governor.
Aspirants for representatives of Eastern Samar’s lone district are incumbent Rep. Maria Fe Abunda and Christopher Sheen Gonzales, a former Guiuan town mayor and vice governor.
In Samar province, Gov. Sharee Ann Tan is running unopposed for the first time in her re-election bid next year.
Her uncle, Vice Gov. Arnold, and brothers Rep. James (1st District) and Reynolds Michael (2nd District) are running unopposed.
In Northern Samar, Gov. Edwin Ongchuan is running for congressman of the province’s 2nd District, switching places with his cousin Rep. Harris Ongchuan, who filed his COC for governor on Tuesday.
“I may be taking another role this time, but I believe that this will still be a great avenue for me to be able to help improve the lives of not only the people of Northern Samar but other individuals through a significant and meaningful legislative agenda,” Edwin said in a statement.
Harris will run against former Rep. Harlin Abayon in the gubernatorial race. Abayon had never succeeded in his attempt to return to politics since 2016.
Niko Raul Daza will replace his father, Rep. Paul Daza, as representative of the province’s 1st District. He is a third-generation politician from the Daza family.
“Our key officials in Northern Samar are virtually running unopposed. They are running against past officials who held posts decades back,” said an official of the provincial government who refused to be named.
In Biliran, Rogelio Espina, a former governor and solon, will replace his son, Governor Gerard, who will not seek any elective posts next year. He and his younger brother, Rep. Gerardo Espina, Jr., are unopposed.
In Southern Leyte, Gov. Damian Mercado will seek another term. Her opponent is Amalia Yap, the mother of Southern Leyte Rep. Christopherson Yap (2nd District).
In the province’s 1st District, Roger Mercado will attempt to regain a seat in the House of Representatives, the post he held before leading the Department of Public Works and Highways during the last months of the Duterte administration.
Roger is being challenged by two less popular candidates. His wife, Rep. Luz, will run as mayor of Maasin City, the provincial capital. (PNA)