ILOILO City – A new group claiming to have the support of President Rodrigo Duterte is fielding a complete line-up for elective posts in this city.
On Tuesday, Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS) in Western Visayas filed certificates of candidacy for mayor, vice mayor and city councilor against the groups of mayoralty candidates Cong. Jerry Treñas of the National Unity Party (NUP), Mayor Jose Espinosa III of the Nacionalista Party (NP) and Dr. Pacita Gonzalez, wife of the late Justice secretary Raul Gonzalez Sr.
Lucio Encio who is running for congressman said their party advisers are no less than President Duterte himself and daughter, Davao City mayor Sara Duterte.
He also said their Certificates of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) were issued by PDDS national president Greco Belgica, commissioner of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission.
“Kami nagapanindugan kag nagapati sa kawsa ni President Rodrigo Duterte to stop corruption, illegal drugs and terrorism, and push for federalism,” said Encio who described himself as a doctor of philosophy, certified public accountant and educator.
PDDS’ line-up is made up of the following:
* congressman – Lucio Encio
* mayor – Esteban Abitang
* vice mayor – Constancio Caro Jr.
* councilor – Aillen Equico, Rachel Sampiano, Mary Irish Melgar, Jovito Guilaran Jr., Jocelyn Jover, Wenceslao Sollano, Lorenzo Castillano, Danilo Fuentes, Teofilo Aldea, Nenita Demontano, Shirley Jalbuena, and Oscar Diopeta.
“Wala amon grupo sang traditional politician,” said Encio.
Abitang was a former member of the Philippine Constabulary and former barangay captain of Sta. Cruz, Arevalo district.
Caro described himself as a businessman and a farmer.
“Kinanglan naton ang bag-o nga linyada sang kandidato nga magpungko sa gobyerno para sa pagbag-o,” said Encio.
Treñas’ slate is made up of the following:
* for congresswoman – former councilor Julienne Baronda
* for vice mayor – Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon
* for councilor – reelectionists Lady Julie Grace Baronda, Ely Estante, Armand Parcon, and Jay Treñas, Reyland Hervias Jojo Javellana, Rodulph Jeffrey Ganzon, Gilbert Garcia, Allan Zaldivar, and Atty. Rommel Duron
Espinosa’s group is composed of these candidates:
* for congresswoman – former councilor Perla Zulueta
* for vice mayor – Councilor R Leone Gerochi
* for councilor – reelectionists Eduardo Peñaredondo, Candice Magdalene Tupas, Mandrie Malabor, Lyndon Acap, and Leizl Joy Zulueta-Salazar, and former councilor Rodel Fullon-Agado
Gonzalez’s group, on the other hand, is composed of the following:
* for congressman – Councilor Joshua Alim
* for vice mayor – Councilor Plaridel Nava
* for councilor – Atty. Dan Cartagena, Judgie Alim, MJ Ramos, Hermie Panes, Allen Aquino, Ras Borja, and Kayser Jadulos/PN
