LP bets early birds for filing of CoCs in Negros Oriental

DUMAGUETE CITY , Philippines  – Five members of the ruling Liberal Party were the first to file their certificates of candidacy (CoCs) yesterday morning at the Comelec-Negros Oriental provincial office at the start of the filing period from October 1 to 5.

They were Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichong (1st district), who is now vying for governor; political newcomer, Dr. Edward Mark Macias, for vice governor; Manuel Marino Iway for PB member (1st district); Augustine Miguel Perdices for PB (2nd district); and Clayborne Clyde Lim, for PB (3rd district).

Limkaichong was expected to be pitted in a three-cornered governorship fight against incumbent Governor Roel Degamo, who officially became a member of the PDP-Laban and former Finance Sec. Margarito “Gary” Teves who reportedly took his oath recently as member of the Nationalist People’s Coalition.

Some members of the Teves’ slate were expected to file their CoCs late yesterday while Degamo and his line-up were reported to be filing theirs on Friday.

Provincial Election Supervisor Eddie Aba said no other candidates had filed before the Comelec provincial office as of press time. He believed that many of them were still waiting for their certificates of nomination from their respective political parties.

Over in Siaton town, about an hour’s drive south of this capital, LP candidates, led by incumbent Mayor Albert Ator, were also the first to file their COCs, according to town election officer Ursel Tubio.

Aside from Ator, those who filed their COCs were partymates Teodorico Yap for vice mayor; incumbent Councilors William Kirit and Filoteo Ator, and Donald Gadingan, Edgar Ragay, Izra Singson, Steve Macahig and Fritz Diaz.

Completing the line-up for councilors and expected to file her COC before 5 p.m. yesterday was Judith Lagos, said the mayor. (FREEMAN)