• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Former Toboso Mayor Richard Jaojoco yesterday denied speculations that he is aspiring for a higher elected position, with regards to claims that in the elections next year, he will be running either for municipal vice mayor or vice governor of Negros Occidental.
Jaojoco, whose wife Madonnah sits as the incumbent mayor of Toboso, disclosed that he will seek reelection as councilor of Toboso.
He added that his wife and incumbent Vice Mayor Maria Luisa dela Cruz will seek reelection in the 2025 midterm elections.
The “M&M tandem” will go against former Mayor Evelio Valencia, who will reportedly try to get back in power, Jaojoco said.
Jaojoco confirmed that he is a member of the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino, while his wife affiliates with the National Unity Party (NUP).
He also confirmed what Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. earlier said, that after taking their oath of office as PDP members, they did not receive any feedback regarding their status. “I don’t even know if we are still members of the party,” he stressed.
Jaojoco said that he will consult with his local party, the United Negros Alliance (UNegA) on their status. “National parties are a small factor at the local level,” he added.*
