BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya , Philippines – Elections have yet to be concluded but 18 of the 32 mayors in Ilocos Sur are given assurance of another term since they are practically unopposed in their respective turfs.
The unopposed mayoral bets are Eva Marie Medina (Vigan City), Dr. Ericson Singson (Candon City), Mar Ruel Sumabat (Alilem), Sammy Boy Parilla (Bantay), Germelina Goulart (Caoayan), Benjamin Maggay (Cervantes), Jessie Balingsat (Galimuyod), Clifford Patil-ao (Quirino),
Leopoldo Gironella Jr. (Salcedo), Chester Elaydo (San Esteban), JJ Bueno (Santa), Mark Purisima (San Ildefonso), Teresita Valle (Sta. Cruz), Joseph Tabanda III (San Vicente), Amado Tadena (Sto. Domingo), Josefino Miranda (Santiago), Aries Gaerlan (Sigay), and Fernando Quiton (Sugpon).
Goulart is a sister of outgoing Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson, the acknowledged political kingpin in the province, and the other candidates are either his relatives or allies.
Meanwhile, the candidates for vice mayor and councilors in Candon City and San Vicente town are also unopposed.
However, despite having the biggest number of unopposed mayoral bets, Ilocos Sur was still included by the Department of the Interior and Local Government among the 15 provinces on its list of areas of election concern due to violence in previous polls in these areas.
Superintendent Marlo Castillo, provincial police spokesman, however, said they foresee peaceful elections in Ilocos Sur.