Comelec releases official list of candidates for 2013 polls

SIQUIJOR, SIQUIJOR, Philippines  — The official list of candidates for the 2013 elections in Siquijor province showed a race between two groups, Liberal Party and Lakas Party, contending for all posts, from governor down to the councilor, although there are some independents.

For the lone congressional seat, incumbent Governor Orlando Fua Jr of Lakas is running against businessman Jay Pernes of the LP.

For governor, it is between the governor’s brother, Provincial Board Member Orville Fua of Lakas, against shipping businessman Zaldy Villa of the LP, while for vice governor, PB Member Arturo Pacatang of Lakas is pitted against singer-actor Fernando “Dingdong” Avanzado of LP.

Thirteen candidates are seeking for PB seats: For the 1st district covering  the  towns of Larena, Siquijor and Enrique Villanueva are Paul Ivar Ada, Lucito Balanay Jr., Arthur Chan, Pedro Dones, Dar Lynn Honrubia, Clare Lucero and Cyrus Olpoc; For the 2nd district (Lazi, Maria and San Juan) are Leonido Bonachita, Arsenio Buac Jr., Cielo Lumacad, Jemrin Pal-ing, and Mayors Rebecca Padayhag of San Juan and Edwin Quimno of Maria towns. 

Of the mayors of  six towns of the province, two of them are for reelection, two are gunning for vice mayor and two others are for the PB seats.

In this capital town of Siquijor, incumbent Mayor Richard Quezon will run for vice mayor and his daughter Mei Ling Quezon will run for mayor under LP. They are running against Lakas bets, incumbent vice governor Andre Jesu Cortes for mayor and reelectionist Vice Mayor Delfin Macahis. Each party has eight bets for councilor while one is running as independent.

In Larena, the LP has incumbent Mayor Gold Calibo who will run for vice-mayor and former mayor Dean Villaas for mayor. Their opponents in Lakas are Councilors Honey Grace Samson, for mayor, and Charles Padayhagrun for vice-mayor. Both parties also have their complete slate for councilors.

For mayor in San Juan town, Wilfredo Capundag, Jr. is Lakas bet against Councilor Alberto Ocay of LP, while for vice mayor, it will be between reelectionist Vice Mayor Lilian Fe J. Sumalpong for Lakas and Councilor Gemma Cenas of the LP. There are eight bets of LP, eight of Lakas and four independents gunning for eight seats for councilor.

In Lazi town, Lakas is fielding re-electionists Mayor Orpheus Fua and Vice Mayor James Monte against LP’s Mercy Rose Montalban, for mayor, and Lloyd Dimagnaong for vice mayor. Eight each from Lakas and LP, and five independents are running for councilors.

In Maria town, three are contending for the mayoralty: Leonardo Acain of LP, Ronald Guy Magpiong of Lakas and independent Meynard Asok. For vice mayor, it is between Orlando Fernando of Lakas and Ivy Dan Samson of LP, while for councilors, eight from LP, eight from Lakas and four independents are running.

For Enrique Villanueva town, re-electionists Mayor Melojean Orquillas and Vice Mayor Earl Stanley Matas of Lakas are pitted against LP’s Gerold Pal-ing and Leonard Paculba for mayor and vice mayor, respectively. There are 19 bets for councilors: Eight each from LP and Lakas and three independents.  (FREEMAN)