THE exodus continues. Just few days before the start of COC filing, politics is heating up as incumbent local government officials in the province quickly switched party affiliation.
This time, it is the turn of the municipal mayors and contenders for mayor of the first congressional district to become the administration party affiliates following the exodus of mayors of second and third districts recently.
The mayors and others who took their oaths before South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo, to the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) members are: Calape Atty. Mayor Julius Caesar F. Herrera, Loon Kagawad Liezl Go, Baclayon Mayor Atty. Alvin Uy, former Mayor Marlon Amila of Tubigon, Panglao Vice-Mayor Noel Hormachuelos, Maribojoc Mayor Romulo Manuta, Corella Mayor Manju Lim, Michael Mantiza of Alburquerque and City Mayor Jane Yap.
Former Tagbilaran Mayor Baba Yap and Goldie Herrera together with Engr. Junin Caberte of Sevilla and former Vice-Mayor Roy Olalo of Balilihan, also were sworn in as PFP members.
It was learned that Gov. Aris Aumentado was on hand to witness the pledging of the new recruits before Tamayo, the PFP national president, following the national convention of the alliances for Bagong Pilipinas, a slogan of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
The governor seen with Tamayo and Baba Yap in photo ops. Baba Yap, if he makes true his COC filing, would be facing incumbent Rep. Edgardo M. Chatto, who is eyeing to finish his last term in the House of Representatives.
Will the governor support for Baba’s wife, reelectionist Jane Yap for city mayor remains unanswered?
But the camp of city councilor Atoy Torralba, who is expected to challenge Jane Yap, reportedly claimed that the governor is on their side.
There was no definite statements from the governor’s camp yet who to support.
The congressional race in first district seems to be exciting, too, since not only Yap and Chatto to slug it out, but also two other contenders are expected to throw their hats.
Makati-based lawyer Jordan Pizarras has already roaming around and even posting his tarps, big and small, particularly in Dauis town, whose mayor Roman Bullen is said to be his relative.
The latest to make her presence felt is retired Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center Dr. Mutya Tirol-Macuno, who is also vying for the first district’s representative.
A reliable source bared that Macuno is running with the alleged anointment of the governor. But this was not confirmed yet.
Another kink is that who would be the official bet between Yap, Macuno and Pizarras, who are reportedly took oath as PFP members.
In the provincial level, Aumentado appeared to be facing no strong contender, for now until the COC filing day.
The governor’s line-up is already complete unless a horse trading takes place. Congresswoman Alexie B. Tutor’s father, Nick Besas, the incumbent city councilor and Bohol chapter president of the Philippine Councilor’s League (PCL) was picked as Aumentado’s running mate (for vice-governor)
For Board members in first district are the following: reelectionist Lucille Lagunay, Mayor Herrera’s daughter, Goldie and social media influencer Willy Ramasola.
Provincial Board Members Atty. Tomas Abapo, Jr. and Atty. Jamie Villamor are set for reelection and the third, last termer Mayor Fernando “Eping” Estavilla for board member in the second district under Aumentado-Besas clique.
In the third district, Vice-Gov. Tita V. Baja, Board members Greg Jala and Nathaniel Binlod for reelection and son of former Vice-Gov. Dionisio Victor Balite, DJ Balite is the 4th candidate for board member.
There are three BMs allotted for first and second districts and third district (the biggest in terms of voting population) four to complete the ten required by law.
The Governor’s wife, Congw. Vanessa C. Aumentado and Congw. Tutor (second and third districts, respectively) are set for reelection in next year’s elections. (rvo)
