Vice mayor challenges Vilma for governor

BATANGAS, Philippines — A former tarpaulin installer and coordinator of the Recto family has filed a certificate of candidacy (COC) for governor of Batangas, challenging Vilma Santos’ bid in the 2025 midterm elections.

Vice Mayor Jay Manalo Ilagan of the municipality of Mataas na Kahoy was accompanied by his family, friends and supporters in filing his COC at the local office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

“I’ve been a supporter of our beloved Vilma Santos-Recto and I respect our former congresswoman, but I am also dreaming to become the head of our province,” Ilagan, former mayor of Mataas na Kahoy, said.

Ilagan said he is not intimidated by Santos’ popularity, noting  he has been preparing for this battle for 30 years.

He said his advantage over Santos is his readiness and availability in Batangas, and that people can come to his house any time. 

“I will personally attend to the people and their needs… I will not send representatives,” Ilagan said, while stressing his 10-point agenda on education, health, agriculture and tourism.

He said he plans to emulate Singapore and open the ports of Batangas to the international market. 

Ilagan was the third to file a COC for governor following Vilma Santos and former party-list representative Mike Rivera.

Gina de Venecia eyes House

In Pangasinan, former congresswoman Gina de Venecia is making a bid to return to the House of Representatives.

Rep. Christopher de Venecia yesterday filed a COC on behalf of his mother at the Comelec office in Dagupan City.

De Venecia will be running for the post to be vacated by her son, who is in his last term as representative of the fourth district of Pangasinan.

On Friday, Masbate City Mayor Socrates Tuason filed his COC for the gubernatorial post of Masbate. 

Tuason, provincial chairman of the Liberal Party, was accompanied by his wife, incumbent Masbate City Vice Mayor Rowena Tuason, and candidates for the provincial board council Julius Aguilar and Alexander Albao.

Kerwin running for mayor

In Leyte, self-confessed drug lord Rolan “Kerwin” Espinosa filed his COC for mayor of Albuera town on the first day of the filing period.

Kerwin is expected to face reelectionist Mayor Sixto dela Victoria and board member Vince Rama, brother-in-law of Ormoc Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez.

On Saturday, candidates of the political party of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) filed their COCs in Cotabato City.

The MILF’s United Bangsamoro Justice Party picked reelectionist Cotabato Mayor Bruce Matabalao as the UBJP’s bet for the city’s highest elective post, and his running mate, newcomer Johair Madag.

A day before, former TESDA chief Suharto Mangudadatu filed his COC for governor of Maguindanao del Norte.

Mangudadatu was governor of Sultan Kudarat for three consecutive terms before he transferred residence to Datu Odin Sinsuat.

A battle between families is expected in Basilan as Gov. Jim Hataman-Salliman and his son filed COCs for the province’s two top positions on Friday.

Salliman, who is in his last term, will run as vice governor while his son, board member Jay Datumanong Salliman, will seek the gubernatorial post.

The young Salliman will battle his uncle, House Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman, who will reportedly file his COC today.

In Lamitan City, reelectionist Mayor Roderick Furigay filed his COC on Saturday.

Furigay is expected to run unopposed after his nephew, Vice Mayor Hagem Furigay, opted to give way. — Miriam Desacada, John Unson, Roel Pareño