Former barangay chief challenges Alegado in Consolacion

CEBU, Philippines — A former barangay captain is challenging incumbent Consolacion Mayor Teresa “Nene” Alegado in the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.

Businesswoman Blessilda “Bingol” Villo filed her certificate of candidacy (COC) for mayor yesterday under the “Usa Consolacion PDP Laban” Party.

“Nagkahiusa ang mga opposition sa lungsod sa Consolacion nga ang tumong ug tinguha nga magdala og kausaban, bag-ong lungsod nga sa dugay na kaayong panahon nag-antos ang mga katawhan, nagsakripisyo, nagyangongo kay wa nila ma-feel ang serbisyo sa gobyerno,” said Villo during a press conference on Monday.

“Daghan kaayong problema nga akong nakita samtang kapitan pa ko sa Barangay Tayud kay anhi moduol ang mga katawhan nako. Mao na nga ako priority ang katawhan kay para nako kung ang katawhan malipayon, ang lungsod magmalipayon, ang lungsod mousbaw ug molambo gayud kay ang mga katawhan kuntento man gyud sa serbisyo sa gobyerno,” she added.

Villo said she is not against the proposed reclamation project in the town, but promised that the existing shipyard will not be affected by the said project. She said the shipyard should be spared because it is providing income for the town and for those who are working at the shipyard.

Former town councilor Ian Rose Bihag joined Villo as her runningmate.  Joining their slate are Analee Gungob, Ava Sanchez, Nilo Ferraren, Diosdada Gielczyk, Restituto "Jun" Congson Jr., EB Singuran, Edmundo "Mushi" Maxilom, and Julian Cuyos.

Meanwhile, Carcar City Mayor Patrick Barcenas and his slate also filed their COC yesterday. Barcenas is seeking reelection with Hervy Alejandro de Dios as his runningmate.

Their lineup for the city council includes Ma. Bernadith Barcenas, Vincent Raymund Escobido, Roy Velez, Harold Nacua, Jeson Fernandez, Kimson Castañares, Rogelio Baran, Archilles Gantuangco, Danilo Satinitigan, and Rey Anthony Lawas.

They were accompanied by First District Rep. Rhea Gullas during their filing of COC at the local Comelec office. — (FREEMAN)