Aurora lawmaker’s reelection bid dismays allies, supporters

BALER, Aurora, Philippines – Allies and supporters of Rep. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo were shocked and dismayed by her decision to seek reelection, as she was expected to challenge Gov. Gerardo Noveras in the gubernatorial race in 2016.

Angara-Castillo filed her certificate of candidacy before the Commission on Elections provincial office on Oct. 15.

Many expected her to make a comeback in the capitol, where she served for three terms before seeking a congressional seat.

On Oct. 14, she announced in a meeting that she would seek another term in the House of Representatives.

Angara-Castillo’s nephew, Vice Gov. Rommel Rico Teh Angara, said his aunt’s decision shocked their supporters.

“Many were disappointed. But I respect her decision. Maybe, she sees things differently,” Teh Angara said.

Angara-Castillo told journalists that her decision to seek reelection was based on her family’s advice.

“They said I have been governor for nine years and it’s time for me to spend my time with them,” she said, adding in her second and third terms, Noveras, then the  vice governor, was supportive of her executive agenda.

“I have not heard him criticizing my administration,” Angara-Castillo said of Noveras.

But many of her allies and supporters felt otherwise. One of her aides said Noveras criticized her during one of his state of the province addresses.