City mayoralty bet quits race

CEBU, Philippines - A candidate for Cebu City mayor in the 2010 elections has withdrawn his candidacy, citing some physical problems.

Jacinto Iran Sr., 79, a retired marine engineer in Bulacao, has withdrawn his certificate of candidacy (COC) yesterday afternoon.

Iran cited health reason why he was forced to back off from the coming elections, saying he can’t endure the rigors of the campaign.

“I have a physical problem. Nikaon ko og nukos nisakit akong tuhod, I cannot agwants the campaign in the palibots,” Iran jokingly said.

As this developed, only 12 bets have been left to seek for the highest position in the city in May 10 elections.

They are Vice Mayor Michael Rama, John Henry Osmeña, Georgia Osmeña, Samuel Darza, Landelino Bontilao, Crisologo Saavedra, Ricci Ranili, Rodolfo Laconza, Cristituto Abangan, Salvador Solima, Anastacio dela Cruz and Fermiliano Dapitan.

But city election officer Marchel Sarno believed that more candidates will quit the race.

“Kay nakadawat ta og mga feelers nga mo-withdraw kuno sila sa ilang candidacy, unya ang ubang kampo sab nag-inquire kung unsa ilang buhaton,” Sarno said.

The city has a total 104 candidates seeking for different elective positions such as mayor, vice mayor, congressman and councilor.

Sarno disclosed that some candidates have already visited his office, including Kugi Uswag Sugbu (KUSUG) vice mayoralty bet Jonah John Rodriguez, to ask what to do to withdraw their COCs as the deadline for the substitution of candidates looms.

 The Comelec has given political parties until December 14 to file for substitution of their candidates.

 Earlier, it was revealed by KUSUG will replace its candidates for mayor and vice mayor. Aside from Rodriguez, KUSUG’s mayoralty candidate, Landelino Bontilao, would be likely replaced on or before the deadline.

There was a report that the mayoralty bet of Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP), Ricci Ranili, will also be replaced.

Basak San Nicolas barangay captain George Rama received information that Ranili will be replaced by a candidate with a Rama surname.

Ranili was given a certificate of nomination from LDP signed by former mayor Alvin Garcia, who is the KUSUG chairman.

The barangay captain believed that the strategy is aimed to confuse the voters considering that Vice Mayor Rama is running for mayor.

As of yesterday, Sarno said only Iran has withdrawn his COC but expects more to follow in the coming days. — Elly Bolonos/LPM    (FREEMAN NEWS)