46 candidates running unopposed in Bicol
LEGAZPI CITY—The number of unopposed candidates gunning for various posts in the midterm elections in Bicol region rose to 46 from the initial 30 recorded in October last year by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
In a report on Saturday, Comelec Bicol said the uncontested aspirants for various positions are in the provinces of Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate and Sorsogon.
Comelec Bicol director Maria Juana Valeza said in a private message on Saturday, at the start of the campaign period, that the unopposed candidates are running for positions of congressional representative (2), mayor (11), vice mayor (16) and Sangguniang Bayan member (17).
Among the known politicians who are running unopposed is Masbate Gov. Antonio Kho under the banner of Lakas–Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD). Kho is in his last term as governor and is seeking to be elected as Masbate first district representative.
Also running unopposed is Nationalist People’s Coalition candidate Marie Bernadette Escudero, sister of Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, who is seeking reelection as first district representative of Sorsogon province.
All in the family
Known and new political dynasties also fielded family members in the May polls.
In Albay, the Lagman family remains influential in the political scene with Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman running for the first district congressional seat against Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Jil Bongalon.
Although incumbent Albay Gov. Edcel Greco Lagman withdrew his candidacy for provincial governor last December, the gubernatorial seat is still at the center of a three-corner contest between former Gov. Noel Rosal (Partido Demokratiko Pilipino), Albay Second District Rep. Joey Salceda (Lakas-CMD) and independent candidate Rosaler Sara Jr.
The Salceda family, considered a rising dynasty now, has also fielded its members with Polangui Mayor Adrian Salceda, Joey’s nephew, running for the third district congressional seat, facing incumbent Rep. Fernando Cabredo. Two other nephews of Joey are also in the running: Jesciel Salceda, a mayoral candidate for Polangui; and Juan Miguel Salceda, a candidate for provincial board member of Albay.
Brothers Camalig Mayor Carlos Irwin “Caloy” Baldo Jr. and Vice Mayor Ahrdail Baldo have also filed for reelection. Romella “Lhal” Baldo, wife of Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo, is seeking to replace her husband. The Baldo family are running under Lakas-CMD.
In Camarines Sur, the Villafuertes, running under National Unity Party, is led by Second District Rep. Luis Raymund “LRay” Villafuerte who is running for governor. LRay’s son and incumbent Camarines Sur Gov. Luigi Villafuerte is running for his father’s congressional seat while his older brother, Rep. Miguel Luis “Migz” Villafuerte, is seeking reelection for a second term in the fifth district.
