ILOILO City – From a total of 59 candidates here for various local elective posts in the 2019 midterm elections, this city only has 37 in the May 9, 2022 polls.
Seven ran for city mayor in 2019; in the upcoming polls, there are only three.
Also in 2019, four ran for city vice mayor; now there are only two.
The most dramatic drop in the number of candidates is in the position of city councilor.
In 2019, there were 44 candidates for Sangguniang Panlungsod seats; for the coming election, only 29 filed their certificates of candidacy and of these, one eventually withdrew without substitution while another candidate died of natural causes (former councilor Joshua Alim).
In the position of congressman, however, it’s the same number of candidates – four in 2019 and still four this year.
In the race for mayor, the 2019 winner, Jerry Treñas, is seeking reelection under the National Unity Party (NUP) banner. His two challengers are broadcaster Salvador “Jun” Capulot Jr. of the People’s Reform Party (PRP) and tricycle driver Vicente Ang (independent).
In the vice mayoral race, reelectionist Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon is being challenged by Mark Khaizer Jadulos of PRP.
In the congressional derby, on the other hand, the 2019 winner Julienne Baronda has three challengers – former mayor Jose Espinosa III of the Nacionalista Party and independent candidates retired doctor Rudy Bantolo and Atty. Pascual Espinosa Jr.
In the city council race, nine are incumbents seeking reelection.
The campaign for the local election started on March 25./PN
