4 contenders for Bohol gov

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines – Liberal Party-Bohol has completed its line-up but not the United Nationalist Coalition (UNA) and independents who will be vying for the 12 provincial seats—for governor, vice-governor and Provincial Board members—and three congressional districts.

After the filing of the certificates of candidacy on the last day (Friday, Oct. 5), four will be vying for governor and three for vice governor.

Reelectionist Governor Edgar Chatto and his partymates, with certificates of nomination and acceptance from the LP, accompanied by their supporters, trooped to the provincial Comelec office to file their CoCs on the day of the deadline. They first attended mass at the K of C church in the city and a press conference.

Chatto will be running against incumbent Carmen town Mayor Conchita de los Reyes of UNA, actor-comedian Roberto Reyes, a.k.a. “Amay Bisaya,” of Tubigon town under the KBL and Wenceslao Garcia of Bien-Unido, an independent candidate.

Chatto’s runningmate incumbent Vice Gov. Concepcion Lim is also eyeing for reelection against Dr. Sharleen Lim, wife of city Mayor Dan Neri-Lim of UNA, and retired AFP officer and former PB member Joseph Sevilla, an independent.

For the PB seats, the LP’s bets are: lawyers Abel Damalerio and Benjie Arcamo and Dr. Cesar Tomas Lopez (for 1st dist); reelectionist Romulo Cepedoza, incumbent Inabanga town Councilor Jovana “Jaja” Jumamoy and retired policeman Bernardo Avenido, Jr. (2nd dist); and reelectionists Godofreda Tirol and Brigido Imboy, former PB member Josil Trabajo and former schools division superintendent Elpidio Jala (3rd district).

Fighting them from the UNA for the PB are: former provincial attorney Handel Lagunay (1st dist); reelectionist Gerry Garcia and former PB members Tomas Abapo, Jr. and Ma. Fe Camacho-Lejos (2nd dist); and reelectionist Dionisio Balite.

In the congressional race, the LP is fielding reelectionist Rep. Rene Relampagos (1st dist); Trinidad Mayor and former congressman Roberto Cajes (2nd dist) and Loboc town Mayor Leon Calipusan (3rd dist).

From the UNA, the congressional bets are City Mayor Dan Neri-Lim (1st dist), and reelectionists Rep. Erico Aumentado (2nd district) and Rep. Arthur Yap, (3rd dist). 

A total of 386 seats for municipal councilors, including this city’s 10 councilors, one city mayor and 48 town mayors and vice-mayors posts are up for grabs in the May 13, 2013 elections.  (FREEMAN)