Tingting makes comeback, files COC for 6th dist. Rep.

Former governor Vicente "Tingting" dela Serna was swarmed by hundreds of members of multi-sectoral groups when he filed his certificate of candidacy for congressman in the sixth district at the provincial office of the Commission on Elections yesterday morning.

Running as an independent candidate, Dela Serna arrived at the Capitol compound in a caravan from his residence in Mandaue City, and the Comelec received his COC at exactly 11:00 a.m.

Labor leader Wennie Badayos has estimated that at least 500 persons from different organizations have accompanied de la Serna during his filing of his candidacy, saying that they have been supporting Dela Serna since he was a congressman and governor.

Badayos said they were glad that Dela Serna has made a political comeback, adding that they even wanted him to run for governor.

He said Dela Serna has always supported the labor sector by providing legal assistance to settle any labor disputes. Dela Serna used to be a member of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan.

Lawyer Democrito Barcenas was also present during Dela Serna's filing of the COC, saying that he supported de la Serna being a colleague and member of Free Legal Assistance Group.

Dela Serna said if given a chance to represent the sixth district in Congress, he would move to look into the corruption in government.

He had said one reason why he decided to run for Congress is the silence of Cebuano legislators on many issues such as the lavish spending during the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and the "Hello Garci" controversy.

Giving social services and human rights protection are on top of the priorities of Dela Serna, who is a registered voter in Precinct 0342A in barangay Ibabao-Estancia, Mandaue City.

Dela Serna, whose candidacy will make a three-cornered congressional fight in the sixth district, will run against Rep. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz of Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino and Provincial Board Member Gabriel Luis "Luigi" Quisumbing of Lakas Christian-Muslim Democrats. - Gregg M. Rubio/LPM