ILOILO – A tricycle driver went to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial office yesterday to file his certificate of candidacy (COC) for governor.
Norbert Perualila Gil, 58, was a resident of Mina town. He was an independent candidate.
“I am the future of the province of Iloilo,” said Gil in an interview over DYRI RMN Iloilo.
Gil said he wanted to continue the programs for senior citizens and hear the concerns of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries.
Gil did not feel nervous with incumbent Gov. Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. as his opponent.
“Paano ko kulbaan kay may makinaryas man ko,” Gil said. “Dugay na ko ‘ya naka-preparar, 10 years before.”
Gil ran in past elections – once as congressman in the 3rd District and four as governor including the last 2019 elections.
Gil was the first candidate to file a COC for governor here.
On the other hand, a farmer and former barangay captain filed his COC for congressman in the 3rd District.
He was Eduardo Artazona, 76, a resident of Barangay Zone 10, Cabatuan town.
Artazona, an independent candidate, submitted his COC on Tuesday morning but was turned down as it was not notarized by a lawyer.
He returned to Comelec yesterday to submit a notarized form.
Artazona’s opponent would be reelectionist Cong. Lorenz Defensor who is set to file his COC today.
Artazona said he wanted everyone to know he was the “father of the Fair Election Act.”
‘BIG NAMES’
Yesterday, many “big” personalities filed their COCs.
Tigbauan’s councilor Dennis Valencia filed his COC for Provincial Board member of the 1st District. His wife, incumbent Board Member Renee Valencia, filed a COC for mayor of Tigbauan.
Incumbent Board Member Marcelo Valentine Serag has yet to file a COC for reelection.
As for 1st District congressman, incumbent Janette Garin has not yet filed a COC.
Cong. Michael Gorriceta of the 2nd District sought reelection. He filed a COC together with incumbent Board Member Rolito Cajilig yesterday.
Board Member June Mondejar has not yet filed a COC, as of this writing.
In the 3rd District, incumbent Board Member Matt Palabrica already filed his.
Incumbent Board Member Jason Gonzales has not yet filed a COC.
In the 4th District, comebacking congressman Ferjenel Biron already filed his COC along with Board Members Rolando Distura and Domingo Oso, who are seeking reelection.
In the 5th District, incumbent Cong. Raul Tupas filed a COC on Monday along with his wife Binky Tupas, who will run for Board Member, and Aries Tedoco, also as board member./PN
