BACOLOD CITY – No individual has filed a Certificate of Candidacy for mayor and vice mayor here as of Monday, October 7.
BENITEZ (FB)
Commission on Elections-Bacolod head Revo Sorbito said they are expecting an influx of aspirants on the last day of COC on Tuesday, October 8, as one group with a complete slate, that of Mayor Albee Benitez, is scheduled to file their candidacies on that day.
Twelve individuals have so far filed COCs here, nine for councilor and three for congressman.
Congressional candidates were former Bacolod Mayor and Rep. Evelio “Bing” Leonardia, former seaman Romy Gustilo, and former overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Eduard Gulmatico.
Candidates for councilor were Christian John Weber, Barangay Pahanocoy Captain Yolanda Noble, Barangay Vista Alegre Captain Jose Maria Leandro Norberto de Leon, Kagawad (barangay councilor) Ernesto Yap, Ken Paolo Gilo, Kenneth Belario, former Diwa party-list Rep. Pete Pico, Rico Villafuerte, and Lilian Sembrano, head of the Kabakod Negros Transport Coalition Inc.
Sembrano said that the transport sector must have a representative in the city council to enable them to express their sentiments and concerns.
SEMBRANO (Photo courtesy of John Dale Salazar)
Sorbito said that most of the candidates who have filed COCs are independents.
Barangay Singcang-Airport Captain Caesar Distrito, spokesperson of Benitez, said that candidates under the mayor’s Asenso Team will file their COCs on Tuesday after a Mass at the San Sebastian Cathedral and meeting with their supporters at the public plaza.