• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The number of aspirants for local positions, including congressional candidates for the 2025 national elections in Negros Occidental have reached 281 as of October 4, the fourth day of filing of Certificates of Candidacy.
For the gubernatorial post, the incumbent, Eugenio Jose Lacson, faces a challenge by Paul Octaviano and Ferdenand Diego, while in the vice gubernatorial race, Board Member Jose Benito Alonso remained unchallenged, as of yesterday.
The congressional aspirants are Joel Bantigue for the Third District of Negros Occidental, Erie Mahinay for the First District, while incumbent Representative Mercedes Alvarez is seeking her second term as congresswoman of the Sixth District, Comelec records showed.
Former Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Romy Gustilo are vying for the Bacolod Lone District congressional post.
Don Salvador Vice Mayor Nehemiah Joe dela Cruz filed his COC for the town mayoral post, while returning Mayor Richard Jaojoco seeks to claim the mayoral position of Toboso.
Risa Barello filed her COC for mayor of E.B. Magalona, while incumbent Murcia Mayor Gerardo Rojas has Alan Martinez as an opponent, and Mayor Joedith Gallego has also filed his COC for a second term as chief executive of Silay City.
Other mayoral candidates are Atty. Rowena “Weng” Lizares for Talisay City, Ramon Torres – Bago City, Jose Luis Jalandoni – La Carlota City, Ramil Carpio – Binalbagan, Mary Grace Arceo and Ramonito Barcoma – Hinigaran, Jurry Nabaja – Cauayan, Daph Anthony Reliquias – Hinobaan, John Paul Alvarez – Ilog, Eliezer Duron – Kabankalan, and Ma. Gina Lizares – Sipalay City.
Other posts being sought are provincial board members, vice mayors, or councilors.
More candidates are expected to file their respective COCs during the remaining days for filing, which will end on October 8.*
