3 congressional bets in Cebu unopposed

CEBU, Philippines —  Three congressional aspirants in Cebu are running unopposed based on the certificates of candidacy received by the Commission on Elections.

They are incumbent Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas of the First District, reelectionist Rep. Peter John Calderon of Seventh District, and reelectionist Rep. Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon of the lone Mandaue City district.

Based on the rules, each of them will need only one vote to win the elections.

In a post to his Facebook page, Gullas expressed his elation after knowing he was the only one running for the congressional seat for his district.

“Thankful to be so blessed,” he began. “I just learned that I will be running unopposed as the congressional candidate of Cebu's First District.”

“First thing I did when I heard the news was visit Mama Inday and Papa Eddie (Eduardo Gullas). Mama Inday just celebrated her birthday on Oct. 4 and Papa Eddie will celebrate his birthday on Oct. 13,” he added.

He said that his Papa Eddie, even at his age, is still the most selfless man he knows.

Samsam, who is running under the Nacionalista Party, also thanked his leaders in the district, especially the mayors, saying “it is because of them and their strength in their respective LGU’s that I run unopposed.”

“Lastly, I would like to thank my Papa Eddie. He has been serving the district for so many years and he has made lasting legacies that will never be forgotten,” Samsam further said.

“With his formal retirement in public service after the 2022 elections, I would like to thank Papa Eddie for taking care of the District,” he added.

As for Ouano-Dizon, she promised to deliver basic services to her constituents in Mandaue City, which will be represented at the House of Representatives for the first time following the approval of its districthood.

“There is no greater challenge and there is no greater fulfillment than to be in public service,” she said after filing her COC last Friday.

“Padayon ang akong paghatag og kaayuhan ug serbisyo dinhi sa atong Ciudad sa Mandaue, inubanan sa lig-on nga suporta sa Team Mandaue nga gipanguluhan ni Mayor Jonas Cortes, sa tanan 27 Barangay Captains, sa akong pamilya, ug sa kinatibuk-an Mandauehanons,” she added.

Finally, Calderon took to social media his gratitude to those who continuously support him.

After his filing on Wednesday, he wrote: “Karong adlawa, ni-file ko sa akong COC para sa ika-tulo og katapusang termino isip kongresista sa Septimo Distrito (7th District) sa Probinsya sa Sugbo. Daghang salamat sa tanan ni supporta namo sa duha ka termino og atong padayonon ang tinud-anay nga serbisyo sa katawhan!”

Other Districts

Meanwhile, in the Second District, incumbent provincial board members Jose Mari “Tata” Salvador and Edsel Galeos will be fighting for the congressional seat, along with independent candidate Leony Gegremosa.

Salvador is running under NUP/One Cebu while Galeos is running under the PDP-Laban banner.

In the Third District, independent candidate Fredirico Garcia and Anthony Pono of Abag-PROMDI will try to snatch the seat from reelectionist Rep. Pablo John Garcia.

In the Fourth District, ABC President Celestino "Tining" Martinez and independent bet Salvador Cariaga are set to challenge incumbent Rep. Janice Salimbangon.

Further, it will be a rematch of sorts in the Fifth District as incumbent Rep. Duke Frasco and Red Durano of BAKUD party are facing off anew for the Congress seat.

Finally, in the Sixth District, the contenders are Daphne Lagon of Lakas-CMD, Martin Adelino Sitoy, Guillermo Sitoy (independent), Jeydar Medrozo (independent), and Ruben Talaboc of Abag-Promdi. — JMD (FREEMAN)