More file COCs with the Comelec

CEBU, Philippines - More political aspirants have filed their Certificates of Candidacy before the Cebu City Commission on Elections Office yesterday.

These include a drug crusader, a retired police officer and a man who police claim still has pending cases for drugs.

Cresistomo Mabitad Llaguno also known as “Tata Negro”, 35, of barangay Sambag 2, filed his COC through his counsels Danilo Yap and Kevin Villamor.

This surprised city election officer Marchel Sarno since this is the first time, so far, that a candidate did not file his COC personally but he received it anyway.

Llaguno will run for councilor in next year’s election as an independent candidate in the north district and identified himself as a businessman.

Cebu City Police Office director Patrocinio Comendador also told reporters yesterday that Llaguno has several pending cases involving illegal drugs.

Comendador also said Llaguno had been arrested before for possession of illegal drugs, gambling and robbery, among others.

But a friend of Llaguno, Vice Mayor Michael Rama, said he does not see any wrong with Llaguno’s move.

Rama clarified that no one can prevent anyone who wishes to join the electoral process as it is constitutionally protected.

“Bisag kinsa pa nga naa’y kasing-kasing nga muapil sa bugnong lugaynon ayaw gyud na og pugngi kay constitutionally protected na,” Rama said.

Early this year, the vice mayor earned the ire of mayor Tomas Osmeña when the mayor learned that Rama intervened a police operation in the house of Llaguno.

While the mayor said he was surprised when he learned about Llaguno’s ambition he said Llaguno has no chance of winning due to his “doubtful and disputable reputation”.

On the other hand, a drug crusader who also seeks a chance at the city council for the north district submitted his COC yesterday afternoon.

James Philip Tionko, 46, of barangay Talamban filed his COC as an independent candidate after being convinced by former senator John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña.

The former senator who earlier filed his COC for mayor has announced that Tionko, a businessman, is one of his candidates for councilor in the coming 2010 elections.

Tionko is an anti-drug crusader who was once a provincial chairman of “Drug Watch” and the executive director of “Krusada batok sa Droga”.

Also yesterday, a retired police officer submitted his COC to the City Comelec Office as he is also determined to seek public office.

Rico Palcuto, 71, a retired police colonel who resides in barangay Lahug, will try his luck for vice mayor as an independent candidate. — Elly Bolonos with Niña G. Sumacot/BRP    (FREEMAN NEWS)