Sanchez's widow to run for governor

BATANGAS, Philippines – The widow of former Batangas governor Armand Sanchez has formally declared her intention to replace her husband in the gubernatorial race against incumbent Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto.

Sanchez’s wife Edna was supposed to seek re-election as Sto. Tomas town mayor but was convinced to instead replace her husband, who died last Tuesday.

In a press conference at her husband’s wake, Mrs. Sanchez appealed to Batangueños for their support in her gubernatorial bid.

The 57-year-old former governor died of brain hemorrhage, which was aggravated by over-fatigue and heat stroke with hypoglycemia and severe hypertension.

He was rushed to the hospital last Monday after collapsing while campaigning in a feedmill company in Lipa City.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) earlier had advised the Nacionalista Party (NP), under whose banner Sanchez was running for governor, that his wife may not be able to run for governor because the deadline for the withdrawal of candidacy and the period of substitution outside of death and disability have lapsed.

Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento, however, said Mrs. Sanchez may still take her chance by filing an appeal with the Comelec.

Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, legal counsel of the Sanchezes, said Mrs. Sanchez was really hesitant in accepting the offer to run for governor, as she was indebted to her constituents in Sto. Tomas town.

Asked about the legalities of Mrs. Sanchez’s gubernatorial bid, Topacio said, “Let’s just wait for the final decision of the Comelec and if needed, the Supreme Court.”

Topacio revealed that even NP standard-bearer Sen. Manny Villar suggested that Mrs. Sanchez replace her husband.

“Our legal team from the NP led by Atty. Ronnie Zamora and former DOJ Secretary Nani Perez have studied very well the legalities of our action in endorsing Mayor Sanchez,” he said

For her part, Santos-Recto of the Liberal Party said she respects Mrs. Sanchez’s decision, but feels sorry for her present situation.

She told The STAR that certain people are allegedly using her (Mrs. Sanchez) to secure funds for their campaign.

Santos-Recto earlier suspended her campaign sorties in deference to Sanchez’s death.

She decided not to attend Sanchez’s wake so as not to show tension among their supporters. – With Aurea Calica