CEBU, Philippines - After his retirement from service last month, retired Police Chief Superintendent Vicente “Vic” Loot is running for mayor in the municipality of Daanbantayan, the hometown of his wife, former mayor Maria Luisa “Malou” Loot.
Loot was proclaimed yesterday as official candidate of One Cebu Party.
Loot, 56, said he is convinced to run to answer the cry for just, equitable and humane treatment by the municipal government of typhoon Yolanda victims who were selectively deprived of their rights to government assistance particularly the emergency shelter assistance (ESA).
“I run to protect and stand by the rights of these poor victims from oppression and manipulation by the very people who were supposedly sworn to protect their welfare. I will stand up and rise to the clamor of Kandayanons for matured and principled leadership that would stir the wheel and raise the level of management and good governance and regain and bring back the old glory for which Daanbantayan is known of,” Loot said.
Loot and his entire slate are set to file their certificates of candidacy on Thursday morning at the office of the Commission on Elections in the town.
His slate includes former councilor Simplicio “Boy” Mantos for vice mayor, re-electionist councilors Bregidorietta “Brigitte” Tancawan, Juanito Ybañez, Samuel “Sammy” Moralde, Jupiter “Jupjup” Rosell, Mamerto “Mitong” Rodrigo, Logon barangay captain Rex Novabos, the president of the Association of Barangay Councils; Maya barangay captain Elvir Ali Abucay, and former councilor Renato “Rene” Benatiro.
Loot will challenge the reelection bid of incumbent Mayor Augusto “Itok” Corro of Liberal Party who in 2013 elections defeated his wife, Malou, who served as mayor from 1998 to 2007. Malou was succeeded by her son, incumbent PB Member Sun Shimura and reelected again as mayor in 2010. (FREEMAN)