Doc challenging Mikey

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Presidential son Rep. Mikey Arroyo is not, after all, running unopposed in this province’s second district.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) confirmed yesterday that one Jose Montemayor Jr., who identified himself in his certificate of candidacy as a doctor, is running under the banner of the Liberal Party.

The STAR called up Mikey to check on reports that he has filed a disqualification case against Montemayor, but he declined to issue any statement.

"It is not the right time," he said, as he appealed to the media to be "more sensitive" amid the condition of his father Mike, who has remained under observation after an open heart surgery at the St. Luke’s Medical Center.

No Comelec official here could confirm reports on the disqualification case as all local election officials have been attending a seminar in Balanga, Bataan since Wednesday.

Montemayor’s entry in the congressional race was unexpected. Earlier, Arroyo’s political allies said they expected Mikey to seek re-election without any rival, citing his "outstanding accomplishments" as "deterrent" to any opposition.

Vice Gov. Joseller "Yeng" Guiao, who is running for re-election under Kampi party, insisted, though, that Mikey remains "virtually unopposed" since his rival is a "non-factor."– Ding Cervantes