Batocabe widow announces Daraga mayoral bid

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — Citing the proddings of no less than President Duterte, the widow of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe declared yesterday that she is running for mayor of Daraga, Albay.

Gertie Batocabe, 50, said Duterte invited her and her lawyer son Justine to Malacañang on Thursday during which the President asked her to substitute for her husband.

“He has assured me of full support.... I presented my plans… It was a very, very casual meeting with the President,” Gertie said.

 “Ano desidido ka na? kumandidato ka na muna. I told my Cabinet secretaries not to endorse anybody. Hindi ko ito parating ginagawa, pero ginagawa ko sa iyo,” Gertie quoted the President as saying.

Gertie asked the support of residents of Daraga, saying she would continue the plans of her husband.

She will run under the National Unity Party, with  architect Jaime Espinas as her runningmate.

 “After consultations with my family, our relatives, friends, constituents and finally, with no less than President Duterte prodding me, I am ready to face the challenge,” Gertie said.

She will be pitted against Daraga acting mayor Victor Perete, who is running under PDP-Laban, and the alleged mastermind in the killing of her husband, detained Mayor Carlwyn Baldo.

Baldo has been stripped of his nomination by the Lakas-CMD.