Peña picks Mercado’s daughter as running mate

MANILA, Philippines - Acting Makati Mayor Romulo Peña filed yesterday his certificate of candidacy (COC) for city mayor in next year’s polls, with former vice mayor Ernesto Mercado’s daughter as his running mate.

Supporters joined Peña in a “unity walk” from the Makati Coliseum in Barangay La Paz to the Commission on Elections office in the city’s business district.

Karla Mercado, daughter of the former vice mayor and nemesis of the Binays, also filed her COC for vice mayor yesterday.

Peña vowed to put an end to old politics in Makati, apparently referring to the Binay dynasty.

Peña assured city residents that he would continue to implement the city government’s programs under the leadership of dismissed Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay, especially those concerning the elderly.

Peña advised Binay to abide by the ombudsman’s order dismissing him from government service.

Running for councilors in District 1 are Jessielin Trinidad, Nilo Lopez Jr., Raymond Kahiwat, Jose Villena IV, Virgilio Batalla, Mario Cruz Jr., Celerino Umandap and Oscar Ibay.

Candidates for councilors in District 2 are Efren Arenas, Ernesto Aspillaga, Jeffrey Baluyut, Judith Celos, Artemio Contreras II, Mario Hechanova, Hilario Lorico and Kristina Sarosa. 

Nicholas Garcia and Israel Cruzado are seeking congressional seats in the city’s 1st and 2nd districts, respectively.