Nava brothers end political rift in Guimaras


ILOILO CITY – Brothers JC Rahman Nava and Felipe “Nene” Nava have ended their political rift in the island province of Guimaras.

“After nine years, our relationship has been fixed and that made many in the family very happy, especially our 90-year-old mother,” said JC Rahman in a phone interview with Manila Bulletin.

JC Rahman is running for governor while Felipe is running for a seat in the Guimaras Provincial Board.

The brothers, who were both former provincial governors and doctors by profession, have filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs) Wednesday, October 6, under one political alliance.

To recall, the political rift of the Nava brothers started during the 2013 elections.

Then incumbent governor Felipe lost his reelection bid to now-Governor Samuel Gumarin, who was supported by then congressman JC Rahman.

Felipe ran again for governor in the 2016 elections, but lost anew to Gumarin.

During the May 2019 elections, Felipe also ran for mayor of Jordan town. He lost to Ruben Corpuz.

JC Rahman’s running mate is incumbent Vice Governor John Edward Gando.

Congresswoman Lucille Nava, JC Rahman’s wife, is also seeking reelection.

Gumarin, who is serving his third and last term as governor, will run for mayor of Buenavista town.