The Ouanos, Lagons, Diamantes all running

CEBU, Philippines — Political season is finally here as the filing of the certificate of candidacy officially starts today, October 1, until at 5 p.m. of October 8, 2024.

With a promise to help their constituents however they can, several members of political families are joining the political arena.

For one, the Ouano Family in Mandaue City announced during the One Cebu Convention that incumbent Mandaue City Lone District Representative Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano Dizon is seeking reelection, dispelling longtime speculations that she is running for mayor against suspended Mayor Jonas Cortes.

Although Cebu 6th District Provincial Board Member Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano has not officially declared yet that he is running for mayor, his oath-taking as member of the Lakas-CMD fueled speculations that he is indeed running for mayor.

Jonkie, who is serving his last term as Provincial Board member, said yesterday that people will just have to wait for his final decision within the week.

Another Ouano who is running is Alfie Ouano, who will run as Cebu Provincial Board member in the Sixth District. Alfie is currently the number one town councilor of Consolacion.

Lolypop, Jonkie, and Alfie are siblings. Their father is former Mandaue City mayor and Provincial Board member Thadeo “Teddy” Ouano.

Alfie’s son, Miko, is also running for the first time as municipal councilor of Consolacion.

Mandaue City Councilor Anjong Icalina Ouano is also seeking reelection. His mother, former Opao barangay captain Liza Ouano, is the younger sister of Teddy.

Meanwhile, the Lagon Family will also be running in the upcoming elections.

Incumbent Ako Bisaya Partylist Representative Sonny “SL” Lagon will be seeking reelection. His wife, incumbent 6th District Representative Daphne Lagon, also has the same plans.

Their twin sons, Larenz and Lorenz, will be running as Cebu Provincial Board member in the 6th District and Cebu Provincial Board member in the 3rd District, respectively. Daphne herself confirmed her sons are running for these new positions.

Larenz is currently a municipal councilor of Cordova while Lorenz is an incumbent municipal councilor of Tuburan.

Tuburan Mayor Aljun Diamante, who is also seeking reelection with his brother, the incumbent vice mayor, said that he was one of those who endorsed Lorenz to run as provincial board member.

“Si Lorenz kay number one councilor na sa Tuburan unya most outstanding municipal councilor in Cebu Province. Maayo g’yud og performance ning bataa,” Diamante said during the One Cebu Convention yesterday.

Diamante himself, with his brother and the entire councilorial slate, will be running unopposed.

“Mas maayo nga wala mi kontra kay anha nato makita nga ang katawhan nakuntento sa atong serbisyo nga ato nang gihatag sa pipila na ka tuig na miagi sukad kita nagserbisyo ngadto nila,” Diamante further said. — (FREEMAN)