CHALLENGE ACCEPTED: Capiz lawmaker vies for governor

By Felipe V. Celino 

ROXAS CITY, Capiz— “I accepted the challenge to run for governor just for the sake of the people of Capiz”.

This was the strong statement of Capiz second district Rep. Fredenil “Oto” Castro when he announced his decision to run for Capiz governor in the May 2022 elections.

“It’s very hard on my part before I accepted the challenge of the majority. But because of the strong endorsement and after a long deliberation, I finally gave in to the call,” Castro said.

Castro announced his candidacy in a press conference held at the house of Vice Governor James Mitang Magbanua in Dao, Capiz Wednesday afternoon which was attended by local leaders of Lakas-CMD and Liberal Party (LP).

He said that the gathering was not for politics alone but to give the province a good leadership.

Castro, who earlier hesitated to confirm his candidacy for governor, announced that Magbanua will run for re-election as his running mate.

His wife, former congresswoman Jane Castro, will seek to replace him in the second district while first district Rep. Emmanuel “Tawe” Billones, Sr. will seek re-election for his last term.

Magbanua said they endorsed Castro as the leader of Lakas CMD-LP coalition because they believed in the congressman’s expertise in local governance and that he could bring harmonious relationship between the executive and the legislative.

The candidates of Lakas-CMD-LP coalition for board members in the First District are incumbent board members Jonathan Sonny Besa, Thea Faith Reyes, Weldie Tambol Apolinario, and Fulgencio Pepe del Rosario.

The bets For the Second District were incumbent board members Elmer Arevalo, former board members Gilbert Ardivilla and Badin Cantiller, and Dumalag councilor Cecilio Fecundo.

Other political officials who attended the gathering were Roxas City Mayor Ronnie Dadivas, Panitan Mayor Katherine Kit Belo, Maayon Mayor Raymond Malapajo, Vice Mayor Arminda Bermejo of Panay, Vice Mayor Joselito Bobo Escutin of Dao, Ivisan Mayor Felipe Neri Yap, Jamindan Mayor Mac Valdemar, Dumalag Mayor Odoy Castro, Sapian Mayor Ike Binas with former provincial administrator Atty. Jose Villanueva, and Former Mambusao Mayor Joe Alba.

Also present were representatives of Sigma Mayor Christopher Andaya, Panay Mayor Felipe Barredo, municipal councilor Joemarie Openiano of Cuartero, punong barangay Henry Tumlos who is running for Mayor of Pontevedra, and Mitch Patricio who represented his mother Former Mayor Rita Lyn Patricio who will run for mayor of Pilar.

Sanggunian Kabataan (SK) Provincial Federation President Renzo Teves was also present.

The new coalition is expected to file their certificates of candidacy (COC) today, October 8.

OTHER BETS

Meanwhile, Capiz second district Board Member Eleuper “Bulilit” Martinez filed his COC for congressman also in the second District of Capiz.

A lawyer and industrial engineer, Martinez said that he decided to throw his hat in the congressional race because of the many problems the district is facing such as flooding and deterioration of roads.

He said that he presented himself to the people as the best option for the said position against his opponents Mambusao Mayor Leodegario Labao Jr. and former congresswoman Jane Castro.

Martinez is now on his last term as provincial board member.