Ahong vs Paz again?

CEBU, Philippines — Former Lapu-Lapu City mayor Paz Radaza is set to return to politics after her defeat to Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan in the 2022 elections.

A reliable source told The Freeman yesterday that the former mayor is expected to file her Certificate of Candidacy (COC) before the Commission on Elections in Lapu-Lapu City at 8:30 a.m. this Tuesday, October 8.

Atty. Michael Dignos, former congressional aspirant will be her running-mate. Dignos ran for congressman under Radaza’s slate during the 2022 elections but lost to Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Representative Cindi King-Chan.

 It was not made known yet as to who will compose the Radaza-Dignos councilorial slate.

On the other hand, the Chan couple and their entire slate are set to file their COC on the same day that the Radaza slate’s candidates will be filing theirs.

In Mandaue City, One Mandaue party candidates, headed by Rep. Lolypop Ouano-Dizon and mayoralty aspirant Jonkie Ouano, will file their COC today, Monday, while those of suspended Mandaue City Mayor Jonas team will file their COC tomorrow.

Cortes, who was ordered by the Office of the Ombudsman perpetually disqualified from holding any public office, has already filed his COC on October 4, 2024 ahead of his running-mate, Acting Mayor Glenn Bercede, and their councilorial slate, who would do so at 3 p.m. tomorrow.

In Consolacion town, Blessilda “Bingle” Villo will challenge incumbent and reelectionist Mayor Teresa Alegado, who will be running with her son, former mayor Joannes Alegadom as her running-mate. The Alegados and their entire councilorial slate have already filed their respective COCs yesterday.

In Cordova town, incumbent and reelectionist Mayor Cesar Suan and his slate have also filed their COCs yesterday. Former mayor Teche Sitoy-Cho is reportedly going to provide the challenge for him.

In Carcar City, Mr. Raul Gabijan, a 72-year old retired mechanical engineer, filed his COC for his mayoralty bid yesterday.

He will be running against incumbent and reelectionist Mayor Patrick Barcenas and come-backing former mayor Mercy Apura. (CEBU NEWS)