LAOAG CITY, Philippines – The eldest son and a daughter of Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas have filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs) for Laoag vice mayor and Ilocos Norte provincial board member as substitute candidates.
Carlos Fariñas is replacing Roselenie Orceo, who filed her COC for vice mayor.
Reah Cristina Fariñas is substituting for Ester Joy Santos Fariñas, who filed her COC for board member.
The substitution rule allows new candidates to replace those who had filed their COCs but are no longer interested to run.
Observers said many politicians have utilized this rule by fielding “front” candidates during the filing period.
Candidates have until Dec. 21 to avail themselves of the substitution rule.
It was learned that the Fariñas family decided to field Carlos for vice mayor to avoid conflict with other family members who are running for mayor.
Carlos was earlier rumored to have eyed the mayoral post, which was contested by his aunt Shevyl Fariñas, former mayor Roger Fariñas and former Ilocos Norte governor Michael Keon.