Liberal Party exec to challenge Chavit

VIGAN CITY, Philippines – A former police colonel and town mayor is slugging it out with Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson in the 2013 race.

Supporters of Roque Verzosa, president of the Ilocos Sur chapter of the ruling Liberal Party, said they want “a change of leadership and freedom in this province.”

Singson has been Ilocos Sur’s political kingpin for more than three decades. 

Verzosa’s running mate is former broadcaster and long-time Singson critic Efren Rafanan.

Lawyer Henry Capela of Aksyon Demokratiko is gunning for the second district congressional seat, while lawyer James Baterina will challenge Singson’s son Ryan in the first district.