BACOLOD City – Members of the new political alliance that would oppose the ruling Grupo Progreso (GP) filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs) yesterday.
The alliance is composed of the Magbinuligay Kita sa Kauswagan led by former mayor Monico Puentevella, Abang Lingkod Party-list led by Rep. Stephen Paduano and local civil society organizations.
Members of the opposition alliance attended a 7 a.m. mass at the Bacolod Cathedral.
After the mass, they proceeded to the Commission on Elections Bacolod office for the COC filing.
A press conference at the Negros Press Club building followed at 9 a.m.
GP’s Mayor Evelio Leonardia, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran and Rep. Greg Gasataya have already filed their COCs as they seek reelection next year.
Leonardia and Gasataya filed their COCs on Oct. 11 – the first day of the filing period – along with nine other GP members.
Familiaran, meanwhile, filed his COC along with three GP members allied with the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino – Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) on Monday.
The incumbent vice mayor said they already received their notarized Certificates of Nomination and Acceptance from PDP-Laban.
Running for councilor under GP are Bartolome Orola, Cindy Rojas, Renecito Novero, Dindo Ramos, Elmer Sy, Ana Marie Palermo, Al Espino, Archie Baribar, Carlos Jose Lopez, Israel Salanga, Simple Distrito, and Marlon Solidum./PN
