Pacquiao’s bet for Cebu gov changes mind

MANILA, Philippines — A former mayor of Pimamungajan town in Cebu has decided to forgo her plan to run for governor so she can focus on campaigning for presidential aspirant Sen. Manny Pacquiao.

“I have chosen not to seek a post at the Cebu provincial capitol and instead focus all my energy on his campaign. This journey is not about me but all about Sen. Manny Pacquiao. I believe that for genuine change to happen in this country, we need a leader who is God-fearing, with integrity and a heart for the people,” Geraldine Yapha said yesterday.

Pacquiao had said Yapha would file her certificate of candidacy (COC) for governor under his adopted Promdi party on Monday.

Yapha was supposed to substitute for Promdi’s candidate Martin Mari Lozada, who withdrew his COC on the same day.

With Yapha out of the race, it will be a three-way fight among Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, former tourism secretary Joseph Felix Mari “Ace” Durano and independent candidate Nonito Magnanao for governor of Cebu.

In Pangasinan, former Philippine National Police chief Arturo Lomibao filed his COC as mayor of Mangaldan town.

Lomibao substituted for former Liga ng mga Barangay president Wilfredo Ocampo.

Biliran gov withdraws reelection bid

Meanwhile, Biliran Gov. Rogelio Espina withdrew his reelection bid on Monday, saying he wanted to devote his time to his 85-year-old mother.

“I have failed to take notice of this concern, since when my father was alive,” Espina said.

He admitted that as a public servant, it is difficult to give quality time, especially to one’s parents.

“I must devote my time to my mother who is still healthy. While she is still strong, I decided to give my time to her,” Biliran said.

He belied speculation that his withdrawal from the race is part of his political strategy for the 2025 elections.

Espina’s son Gerard, the incumbent mayor of Naval City, will instead run for governor.

Gerard withdrew his reelection bid. His sister Gretchen Stephanie will run for mayor in his place. – Eva Visperas, Miriam Desacada