3-way fight on in Parañaque

MANILA, Philippines - Former mayor Joey Marquez filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for Parañaque mayor at the local poll office Tuesday night, bringing to three the number of contenders for the post.

Marquez, an actor by profession, is running as an independent and without a candidate for vice mayor.

He is running against incumbent Mayor Florencio Bernabe and Rep. Ed Zialcita, who filed his COC over the weekend.

The race for Parañaque vice mayor is between Bernabe’s running mate, incumbent Vice Mayor Gustavo Tambunting, and Zialcita’s bet, actor Anjo Yllana.

Marquez’s candidates for councilor are Audie de leon, Gaspar Sonny Bobadilla, Eulalio Cruz Unizan Jr. for District 1 and Albert Visitacion Jr., Arnold Castillo and Roberto Serrano Jr. for District 2.

Earlier this year, Marquez was cleared of charges resulting from the alleged non-payment of P6.41 million worth of textbooks purchased during his term.

The Supreme Court also recently cleared Marquez of graft charges in connection with the alleged overpricing in the purchase of “walis-tingting” or broomsticks worth P2.9 million. – Rhodina Villanueva