15 Ortega family members seek posts

SAN FERNANDO, La Union – Fifteen members of La Union’s Ortega clan are running for various elective positions, led by Gov. Victor Ortega who is eyeing the first district congressional post and his brother, Rep. Manuel Ortega, who wants to be the governor this time.

Francisco "Kit" Ortega Jr. is running for re-election as councilor of this city, while his younger brother, Pablo, also a city councilor, is gunning for the mayorship to succeed Mayor Mary Jane Ortega.

Another brother, Pepe, is seeking his second term as provincial board member.

Kit said his older brother, Roberto, known for his monicker Bungo, has filed his certificate of candidacy for vice mayor of Baguio City where he once served as councilor.

Roberto’s son Aleck is running for fifth district councilor of Manila, while another son, councilor Robert Jr., is reportedly gunning for vice mayor of the capital city.

Also in the electoral race are Manuel’s two sons: councilor Francisco "Pacoy" Ortega III who was tapped as one of the five nominees of the Abono party-list group, and Alfred who is seeking a city council seat here. 

Other Ortega clan members who have filed their COCs are Jay-jay Orros, son of former governor Justo Ortega Orros, who is seeking re-election as provincial board member, and his cousin John Orros who is aspiring for his third term as San Fernando councilor, along with another cousin, Mario Lacsamana. 

A neophyte in politics, Justito Orros has filed his COC for vice governor. He, however, is running under the ticket of Rep. Tomas Dumpit Sr., who is challenging Rep. Manuel Ortega in the gubernatorial race.

Chary Nisce, a relative of the Ortegas and daughter of Vice Gov. Aureo Nisce, is gunning for a city council seat.

"Like the Singsons in Ilocos Sur and Josons in Nueva Ecija, the Ortegas are still the clan to beat in La Union," a local political observer said.

The Ortegas also rule the dominant political parties in this northern province. Gov. Ortega is the provincial chairman of the Lakas-Christian, Muslim Democrats, while Manuel chairs the Nationalist People’s Coalition.

On the other hand, Pablo is the Liberal Party chapter president in San Fernando City, and younger brother Mario, president of the provincial baran-gay captains’ association, chairs the Laban ng Demokra-tikong Pilipino.