Canoys vs. Reluyas in San Fernando in 2013

CEBU, Philippines - Politicians who really matter in the second class municipality of San Fernando, Cebu will face each other in the local mid-term elections next year. 

Former San Fernando town mayor Lakambini “Neneth” Reluya and husband, barangay Panadtaran captain Ricardo Reluya, will lock horns with incumbent Mayor Antonio Canoy and son Miko for the mayoralty and vice mayoralty posts.

First district Rep. Eduardo Gullas yesterday formally announced the mayoralty and vice mayoralty slate in the first district of Alayon, the political party he formed and heads. 

Gullas said he will leave it to “Neneth” Reluya to pick her running-mate. 

Neneth said it will be her husband, “Nonoy.”

The Reluyas said the Canoys, who currently occupy the town’s top posts, are a force to reckon with, and therefore there is a need to prepare early.

Mayor Canoy might seek another term against any of the Reluyas.

His son, incumbent Vice Mayor Miko Canoy, will likely seek another term, too. 

Reluya still believes she still has the support of her constituents, noting the margin of 1,000 votes that decided the outcome.

Reluya said having four party mates in the town council is also a big factor for her election next year.

Councilors Noel Tatoy, Rudy Taping, Benny Panuncial, and Ramy Sasuman are also of Alayon, and of the 21 barangays of San Fernando, Reluya said six of these are still loyal to her.

Reluya was elected as the first woman mayor of San Fernando in 2007. - THE FREEMAN