New political group emerges in Mandaue, files COC

CEBU, Philippines —  The slate of the opposition camp in Mandaue City dubbed as “Ang Bag-ong Mandaue” has formally filed their certificates of candidacy on Tuesday.

The group is led by former councilors Olin Seno and Elmer Cabahug, the mayoralty and vice mayoralty candidates, respectively.

The group will be challenging the slate of Team Mandaue led by incumbent Mayor Jonas Cortes, who is seeking reelection together with incumbent Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede.

No confirmation yet as to when the Team Mandaue is going to file their COCs as the deadline is set on October 8, 2021.

Running for councilors under “Ang Bag-ong Mandaue” are former city councilors Editha Cabahug, Elstone Dabon and JP Ceniza, Glenn Antigua, Argie Remedio, Leo Saberon, Jojo Bodo, Fritz Villamor, Isko Ouano and Paolo Seno.

Radaza vs Chan

Meanwhile, the Team Deretso in Lapu-Lapu City led by Lone District Representative Paz Radaza will file their COCs on Thursday.

Radaza is seeking the mayoralty post with Councilor Rico Amores as her runningmate.

Team Deretso’s slate for councilors includes incumbent Councilors Bobit Hiyas, Rudy Potot, Gregorio Paquibot, Junrey Gestopa and Rex Mangubat as well as former city councilors Harry Radaza, Elias Berdin, Cipriano Flores and Eduardo Patalinjug and new entrants Antonio Amistad, Arsilito Pejo and Josie Hayashi.

Newly-appointed Councilor Michael Dignos is Team Deretso’s congressional bet.

The Team Libre of incumbent Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan has not yet announced its entire slate.

For the third time, news reporter of online news site Maharlika TV, Junex Doronio, is again seeking for the congressional seat in Lapu-Lapu City. He will file his COC on October 7.

Also, Consolacion Vice Mayor Teresa Alegado, who is running for mayor again with her runningmate, Victor Maglasang, and their councilorial slate are expected to file their respective COCs on the last day of filing.

On the other hand, Cordova Mayor Mary Therese “Teche” Sitoy-Cho, who is seeking for reelection, together with Vice Mayor Ximgil Dino Sitoy and their councilorial slate will file their COCs on October 7.

Cordova mayoralty candidate, Councilor Cesar Suan, his runningmate, former vice mayor Victor Tago and the rest of their councilorial slate already filed their COCs on October 1, the first day of COC filing. -  GMR (FREEMAN)