Actress joins Albay vice governor race

LEGAZPI CITY — Multi-awarded actress Elizabeth Oropesa has joined the bandwagon of showbiz personalities trying to eke out a political career.

For her first political foray, Oropesa opted to join the vice gubernatorial race in Albay. She is running under the banner of the Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) of former President Joseph Estrada.

She is pitted against incumbent Vice Gov. James Calisin (Lakas-CMD), Sergio Alvardo Jr. (Aksyon Demokratiko) and Charlito Morco (independent), according to lawyer Zacarias Zaragoza Jr., regional director of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Oropesa is the running mate of PMP gubernatorial bet Brando Sael, vice mayor of Polangui town.

Oropesa is apparently following in the footsteps of fellow Bicolano, singer Imelda Papin, who has served as vice governor of Camarines Sur.

Another multi-awarded actress, Nora Aunor, dubbed as the "Superstar," ran for governor of Camarines Sur in the 2001 polls but lost.

In the Albay gubernatorial race, the candidates are Alfonso Bichara (Lakas-CMD), father of incumbent Gov. Al Francis Bichara; former New People’s Army leader Sotero Llamas (LDP), Remedios Manzanilla (Aksyon Demokratiko) and Sael.

In the congressional races, Patria Gutierrez (LDP), former mayor of Tiwi town, is pitted against Edcel Lagman (Aksyon Demokratiko) in the first district, while Carlos Imperial (Lakas-NPC) and Efren Los Baños are fighting it out in the second district.

In the third district, Rep. Jose Ma. Clemente Salceda (Lakas-CMD) is being challenged by Juanito Ballanbo (independent), Lucia Reonisto (LDP) and Roberto Salle (independent).

Meanwhile, in Camarines Norte, incumbent Gov. Jesus Typoco Jr. (Lakas-CMD) is seeking re-election. His rivals are Roy Padilla (NPC), Emmanuel Pimentel (LDP-KNP) and Agustin Villagracia (Isang Bansa, Isang Diwa).

Two candidates are contesting incumbent Vice Gov. Alexis Pardo (Lakas-CMD), namely Senen Jerez (LDP) and Edgardo Tallado (PMP-NPC).

Liwayway Chato (NPC) and independents Arnulfo Napao and Adolfo Ogad are challenging incumbent Rep. Renato Unico (Lakas-CMD).

In Catanduanes, 10 candidates are hoping to trounce incumbent Gov. Leandro Verceles Jr., while two independents, Edwin Tanael and Vincent Villaluna, are running against Vice Gov. Cesar Sarmiento.

In the island-province’s lone congressional district, incumbent Rep. Joseph Santiago (NPC) is facing Cenon Traballo Jr. (independent) and Bernardino Apacible Wong (Lakas-CMD).