One Capiz Party reveals possible 2025 candidates

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – The newly organized One Capiz political party has revealed potential candidates for provincial board members and mayors in Capiz for next year’s midterm elections.

Although no formal declarations have been made, the names were mentioned during the Provincial Executive Council Meeting held at the Dinggoy Roxas Civic Center on Sept. 23, 2024.

The possible mayoral candidates include:

First District

• Mayor Ronnie Dadivas – Roxas City
• Mayor Vicente Bermejo – Panay
• Mayor Raymond Malapajo – Maayon
• Mayor Henry Tumlos – Pontevedra
• Mayor Katherine “Kit” Belo – Panit-an
• Former Mayor Rita Lyn Patricio – Pilar
• Vice Mayor Braulio Godfrey Asis – President Roxas

Second District

• Mayor Jose Jimbo Barruela – Dao
• Mayor Felipe Neri Yap – Ivisan
• Mayor Dante Rizal Eslabon – Sigma
• Mayor Maria Concepcion Castro – Dumalag
• Mayor Mateo Hachuela – Dumarao
• Mayor Jose Villanueva – Sapian
• Board Member Elmer Arevalo – Mambusao
• Mrs. Donnah Valdemar – Jamindan
• Mr. Stephen Openiano – Cuartero
• Deputy Administrator for the Second District Rosemarie Gardose – Tapaz

First District Board Members

• Board Member Thea Faith Reyes
• Board Member Trina Marie Ignacio
• Board Member Blesilda Almalbis
• Former Board Member Emmanuel Billones Jr.
• Dr. Cesar Yap Jr.

Second District Board Members

• Board Member Gilbert Ardivilla
• Board Member Aldwin Cruz-am
• Board Member Cecilio Fecundo
• Board Member Neriza San Felix
• Tapaz SB Member Ivy Fundal

The filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COC) will begin on Oct. 1 and run through Oct. 8, 2024.

The One Capiz Political Party is a coalition of political leaders from both the 1st and 2nd Districts of Capiz.

It aims to accelerate economic development, ensure transparency in governance, and promote the well-being of every Capiz resident through collaboration and unity.

The launch of the party was led by Governor Fredenil “Oto” Castro, who serves as the Party Chairperson, with former Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas as Chairman of the One Capiz Advisory Council.

Vice Governor Jaime “Jamie” O. Magbanua is the party president for the 2nd District, while Congressman Emmanuel “Tawe” Billones Sr. holds the position for the 1st District.

Prior to the launch, an Executive Committee Meeting (EXECOM) of the One Capiz Party was also held at the Civic Center.

The party comprises local political leaders from the Liberal Party and Partido Lakas-CMD.