CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines – For the first time in 56 years, the powerful Joson political clan in Nueva Ecija is not fielding a family member to run for the gubernatorial race in the 2016 elections.
The clan, who ruled the province for a half century will instead support the candidacy of an ally, in the hope of ending its political rival’s decade-long rule at the capitol.
Former governor Tomas Joson III, chairman of the Josons’ Bagong Lakas ng Nueva Ecija, has nominated former congressman Rodolfo Antonino as the party’s gubernatorial bet against outgoing third district Rep. Czarina Umali, wife of Gov. Aurelio Umali, who is in his last term.
Joson said they decided not to field any family member for the gubernatorial post in order to give chance to others.
While skipping the governorship, at least five Josons are running for elective posts.
They are former congresswoman Josie Manuel-Joson, former vice governor Edward Thomas Joson and reelectionists boardmember Eduardo Rey Joson, Quezon Mayor Dean Joson and Cabanatuan City Councilor EJ Joson.