Chiong daughter eyes mayoralty; Minglanilla’s Peña files re-election bid

CEBU, Philippines - Lawyer Kristine Vanessa Chiong, daughter of City of Naga Mayor Valdemar Chiong, submitted her certificate of candidacy on Wednesday morning to try to succeed the leadership of her father who is ending his last term.

Kristine in her filing was joined by running mate City Councilor Othelo "Boy" Chiong and councilor candidates Carmelino Cruz Jr., Aurelio Alinsonorin, Delfin Señor, Rodrigo Navarro, Alexander Lara, Luzminda Lapitan, Afshin Mark Señor, Pablo Abangan, Porferio Resaba Jr., and Virgilio Chiong. 

Also with them were First District Rep. Gerald Anthony "Samsam" Gullas, Provincial Board aspirants Yolanda Daan and lawyer Raul Bacaltos and Mayor Chiong.

The group, which is under the alliance of the Nacionalista Party and Alayon, first heard the Mass at the St. Francis of Assisi Church with their supporters wearing orange shirts.

The younger Chiong admitted she was hesitant at first to run but soon pursued mayoralty to continue his father's legacy. Mayor Chiong has served Naga for nine years.

"Ang ako gyung goal ug akong i-assure sa taga-Naga nga dili gyud ko magpakauwaw ngadto kanila ug paningkamutan nga ma-implementar ang saktong development sa siyudad," she said.

Her agenda includes strengthening the family and community to be aware of the negative results of illegal drugs.

She emphasized that while she is not that seasoned in public service, she has actually helped implement projects for three years under the Office of the City Mayor, adding she is also open to new learning.

"Ang importante man gud sa tawo nga modagan mao ang iyang tinuod nga kasing-kasing nga mangalagad sa katawhan," she said.

The name of City Councilor Venci Del Mar has been floated so far as Kristine’s possible opponent but the former has not tendered her candidacy so far as of yesterday.

PEÑA FILES

In the town of Minglanilla, re-electionist Mayor Elanito Peña also filed his COC yesterday, together with his running mate for vice mayoral post, Jojo Selma, and members of the councilor slate.

Accompanied by supporters clad in green shirts, Peña's group first went to hear the Mass before the filing. They were joined by Representative Gullas of the Alayon Party.

Peña, who vowed more development in his town, said their filing together only proved that their group is still intact contrary to reports that some of them were joining another party.

His councilors are Jimmy Caumeran, Roy Nacario, Jhong Adlawan, Jerry Canares, Edwin Quiapo, Prose Laput, Dodong Getuaban and Alexander Abadinas.   (FREEMAN)