IT’s still sketchy, for now, but Abante’s group appeared to be in disarray as to who’ll replace the late Vice Gov Dionisio Victor Balite as running-mate of Gov. Aris Aumentado in the 2025 electoral exercise following his untimely demise.
On the other hand, the opposition block looks tricky as to who would be provincial Board Member Atty. Benjie Arcamo’s candidate for governor after he reportedly announced that he would throw his hat in the vice-gubernatorial race next year.
He would have his hand full as he would be around the province now that he is the acting vice-governor in lieu of BM Tita Baja, as acting vice-gov.
Former Gov. Arthur C. Yap allegedly asked the blessing or consulted a mayor in second district that he’ll be running for governor, but only to be told that the mayor has already committed to Abante. Additionally, the reliable source said that Yap tried to convince the said mayor if he could be vice-governor. There was no definite answer from the mayor.
Some rumors had it that former Vice-Gov. Rene Relampagos is allegedly touted for gubernatorial seat but his family would not agree nor allow.
Another what could be considered a political timber incumbent Edgar Chatto for governor though he still has one term to complete his 2nd 9-year term being representative of first district. All these may be considered speculations perpetrated by their followers.
Speculations began swirling over who would be Balite’s replacement. Some of Abante’s think tank reportedly endorsed senior Board Member Tita V. Baja as Aris’ running-mate.
But there was no final word, yet, from the camp of Baja, who is now catapulted to acting governor after the demise of Vice-Gov. Dionisio Victor A. Balite. Balite took over the reins of the provincial government after Gov. Aumentado’s suspension on May 27 for six months without pay for the fiasco generated by the controversial Captain’s Peak resort in Sagbayan.
The same may be said about the candidates for provincial board members in the first district as Aumentado’s line-up is still in a mystery. Only incumbent BM Lucille Lagunay is reportedly set for her reelection.
It was not clear yet if Calape Mayor Atty. Julius Caesar Herrera’s daughter Goldie Herrera would make a comeback after she did not make it in 2022.
Reports that social media influencer Willy Ramasola have been floated around for him to run for provincial board member in first district of Bohol.
In second district, incumbent Board Members Atty. Tomas Abapo, Jr. and Atty. Jamie Aumentado Villamor are said to be for reelection. The third being groomed is the last-termer Pres. Carlos P. Garcia’s Mayor Fernando “Eping” Estavilla to fill the third slot allotted for the district.
Provincial Board Members Greg Jala and Nathaniel O. Binlod are also set for reelection for the third district that entitles four representations as regular board members.
Dr. Arnold Cagulada, who failed to win in 2022 for board member of the district, is expected to run under Abante’s clique. In interview, Cagulada said he may consider a comeback.
The fourth one to fill the needed four board members is still unknown. Former Loboc Vice-Mayor Pablio Sumampong, who did not make it in his attempt in 2022, may not be the fourth bet. He said that he would rather lie low to give leeway to incumbent Greg Jala, who is his kababayan.
Commission on Elections (Comelec) has already reminded would-be candidates of the first week of October this year in filing of certificate of candidacy (COC) for 2025 mid-year elections. (rvo)
