ILOILO – Familiar names unsurprisingly dominated the eight-day filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the May 2022 polls at the provincial Commission on Elections (Comelec) office.
Reelectionist Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. of the National Unity Party (NUP) filed his COC yesterday, timed with this birthday.
Defensor has an opponent: 58-year-old tricycle driver Norbert Gil of Mina, an independent candidate.
Incumbent Vice Gov. Christine Garin of the Nacionalista Party (NP) is running unopposed for her third term.
1ST DISTRICT
Former congressman Oscar “Richard” Garin Jr. filed his COC for mayor of Miag-ao. He is running under the Lakas-CMD (Lakas–Christian Muslim Democrats). He is the provincial chairman.
Richard’s wife, incumbent Cong. Janette Garin of the 1st District, is seeking reelection under NUP after moving from NP.
“I still have a good relationship with the NP,” Janette said. “(In the) local level we have a coalition. I have been offered to be part of NUP for a long time and in fact pati man ang Lakas.”
According to Janette, NUP gave them the freedom to support their own candidate in the national level.
“Sa tulad nga election karaku sang uncertainties sa babaw. Indi pa klaro kada partido – sin-o imo presidente, vice president. At the end of the day, ang lideres ta sa 1st District nagaka-confuse man. Sa tulad nga tion may kanya-kanya na nga kandidato. NUP has provided as a leeway. Amo man dya ang pangabay sang tanan because they have their own preferences,” said Janette.
Her opponent in the congressional seat is former mayor Victor Tabaquirao of Tubungan who is running under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino -Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).
Meanwhile, incumbent Guimbal mayor Jennifer Garin-Colada (NUP) filed here COC for the same post.
AAMBIS-OWA’s Rep. Sharon Garin will take a break from politics.
“Mabulig lang gid ‘ko sa manghud ko (Christine). I have been in Congress for 12 years. I think it’s time for me to do my own personal and professional opportunities,” said Sharon.
AAMBIS-OWA’s first nominee will be Atty. Lex Colada, husband of Jennifer.
The Garin matriarch, incumbent Mayor Ninfa Garin of San Joaquin, is seeking reelection.
The Garins will support reelectionist Provincial Board member Marcelo Valentine Serag and incumbent Miag-ao Vice Mayor Carmelo Nochete (both under Lakas-CMD) for board members.
Councilor Dennis Valencia of Tigbauan is also gunning for a seat in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
His wife, incumbent Board Member Renee Valencia is seeking Tigbauan’s mayoralty post.
The couple belongs to NUP.
Two independent candidates are also in the running for board member: Jona Lyn Egaran of Barangay Botong, Oton and Elston Saquian of San Joaquin.
2ND DISTRICT
Incumbent Cong. Michael Gorriceta is se eking reelection under the NP.
His opponent is 45-year-old Dennis Herezo of Aksyon Demokratiko.
Reelectionists board members Rolito Cajilig (NP) and June Mondejar (NUP) are running unopposed.
3RD DISTRICT
Defensor’s younger brother Lorenz (NUP) is seeking reelection as congressman.
Eduardo Artazona of Cabatuan, a former barangay captain, will run against him. He is an independent candidate.
Reelectionist board members Matt Palabrica (NP) and Jason Gonzales (Liberal Party) have no opponents.
4TH DISTRICT
Former congressman Ferjenel Biron (NP) is making a comeback.
His son, incumbent Cong. Braeden John Biron (NP), will run as Dumangas mayor.
Biron’s opponents will be Antonio Parcon, an ondependent candidate, and Reynaldo Galeno of Banate, Iloilo of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP).
Ferjenel’s candidates for board members are incumbents Domingo Oso Jr. (NP) and Rolando Distura (NP). Both have no rivals.
5TH DISTRICT
For congressman, incumbent Raul “Boboy” Tupas (NP) is running against his elder brother, former congressman Niel “Jun-jun” Tupas Jr. of the Liberal Party. They also clashed in the May 2019 elections.
In 2016, Boboy ran against Jun-jun’s wife, Atty. Yvonne Angeli.
For board members, Boboy supports his wife Binky (NP), and Aris Tedoco (NP).
The two will run against Nielette “Tweety” Tupas-Balleza (PFP) and incumbent Board Member Carol V Espinosa-Diaz (Aksyon Demokratiko).
Jun-jun supports his sister Tweety and may also adopt Diaz./PN
