Oretas running in Malabon

MANILA, Philippines - Former senator Tessie Aquino-Oreta, President Aquino’s aunt, has announced her bid for a Congress seat in the 2016 elections.

Aquino-Oreta declared her intention to run as congresswoman of Malabon City before her supporters in Barangay Concepcion on Saturday afternoon.

Her son, Mayor Antolin Oreta, is seeking reelection.

He filed his certificate of candidacy at the Commission on Elections office in the city yesterday.

Mayor Oreta’s running mate is Jap Garcia.

The Oretas are running under the banner of the ruling Liberal Party.

The mother and son believe that their track record as public servants will boost their chances in next year’s elections.

Malabon Rep. Veronica Lacson is running for mayor against the younger Oreta.

Vice Mayor Jeannie Sandoval of the Nacionalista Party is seeking reelection. Her husband, Ricky Sandoval, will run for congressman under the Nationalist People’s Coalition.

Gatchalian vs Gunigundo

In Valenzuela City, reelectionist Mayor Rex Gatchalian will face Rep. Magi Gunigundo in the mayoralty race.

Gatchalian has been criticized over the Kentex fire tragedy that killed more than 70 people in May.

Navotas City Mayor John Rey and his brother, Rep. Tobias Tiangco, will run unopposed in their respective posts.