17 mayors to run unopposed in Ilocos Sur

CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur – An agreement to form a provincewide unity ticket between Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson and second district Rep. Eric Singson is off to a fast start as 17 of the 34 mayors in the province will reportedly run unopposed in the May 14 elections.

Rep. Singson will also run for re-election unopposed as Gov. Singson’s "anointed."

The governor, who is joining the senatorial race under the administration ticket, is yet to announce his successor.

The unity pact established a coalition among four political parties here – Lakas-CMD headed by Gov. Singson, Liberal Party led by Rep. Singson, Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) and Kampi.

The 17 ‘anointed’ mayors were from the second district. The four parties will have further consultations with the other towns as well to finalize the provincial slate.

Rep. Singson said the provincial board seats and municipal councilor posts will be filled up by the respective political parties of the exiting board members or councilors.

Reports circulating in the province indicate that Gov. Singson may choose between his son, board member Ronald Singson and his brother, board member Jerry Singson, as his annointed gubernatorial bet.

This developed as Rep.Singson clarified that he is running for re-election and not for governor as earlier reported. "That’s absolutely untrue," the congressman said, reacting to the news item.

He described the published report as an alleged attempt to sow "intrigue" between him and the governor. He also denied that he will field his wife, Grace, a former congresswoman and Candon mayor, in the congressional race to succeed him.

Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon Enrie Mendoza, an ally of Gov. Singson, also denied that he is seeking Rep. Singson’s congressional seat and will run against Grace Singson.

"I can’t see a situation where I will fight Rep.Singson or his wife. I’m not into politics. In the first place, I can’t be a politician as I am more at home delivering services as a technical man," Mendoza, who has a doctorate in Rural Development told The Star.

"How can I even dream to run when I know that a unity pact has been put in place by our leaders? I would be the last to destroy that unity," Mendoza added.