Alleged car smuggler running for governor

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Suspected car smuggler Lynard Allan Bigcas filed yesterday his certificate of candidacy (COC) for governor in Bukidnon under President Aquino’s Liberal Party (LP).

Bigcas, a native of Talakag, Bukidnon, filed his COC at the Commission on Elections (Office) provincial office in Malaybalay City after he was able to secure a certificate of nomination and acceptance from LP for him to run against incumbent Vice Gov. Jose Ma. Zubiri Jr. who is now running for governor.

Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona, an LP leader, denied that Bigcas is a member of the party.

“Let me set the record straight. A certain Lynard Allan Bigcas, who filed his candidacy to run as governor of Bukidnon, is not a member of the Liberal party. His reported declaration that he is an LP candidate in Bukidnon is totally false,” said Guingona.

Bigcas is facing smuggling cases at the Cagayan de Oro City Regional Trial Court after he was caught in May last year in possession of a motorcycle worth $80,000 owned by Hollywood screenwriter Skip Woods and which was stolen in Houston, Texas. Several other sport utility vehicles were found in Bigcas’ home in Talakag.

Aside from cases of car smuggling, Bigcas also figured in a shooting incident here in Davao City where he allegedly shot an official of the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) earlier this year.

He reportedly promised voters to improve basic services, including education and health, for Bukidnon residents.