MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Cynthia Villar, who is rumored to be seeking the highest local elective post in Las Piñas, has reportedly decided to run as representative of the city’s lone congressional district.
Villar’s decision leaves the city’s mayoralty race between two cousins: Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery and former three-term councilor Carlo Aguilar.
The anticipated political showdown has sparked interest as the two come from different factions of the Aguilar family, which has dominated the city’s political landscape for years.
The Villars are said to be backing Carlo, the son of Christian Aguilar, who is an elder brother of Cynthia.
The family, under the helm of the Villar-led Nacionalista Party, has long wielded influence in local politics. The NP was established by Cynthia’s husband, former Senate president Manny Villar.
Nery is the daughter of former mayor Vergel Aguilar, who is the husband of Mayor Imelda Aguilar and elder brother of Cynthia.
Reports said that Imelda, who has served as mayor for multiple terms, may switch places with Nery, allowing her daughter to ascend to the city’s top post.
Carlo is expected to file his certificate of candidacy (COC) for mayor on Oct. 7 under the NP banner.
The mayoral race is likely to be a closely watched contest, with the Aguilar cousins set to face off in a battle that could reshape the city’s political dynamics.
Carlo’s running mate is Councilor Luis Bustamante.
Carlo’s slate will include several candidates for councilors, many of whom have strong ties to both the Villar and Aguilar families.
Quimbo may run for Marikina mayor
In Marikina, District 2 Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo is reportedly joining the mayoralty race, where she will be pitted against Mayor Marcy Teodoro’s congresswoman-wife, District 1 Rep. Marjorie Ann Teodoro.
Marcy, who is now on his third and last term, will reportedly run for congressman.
Quimbo’s husband, former House deputy speaker Miro Quimbo, is reportedly making a comeback as representative of Marikina’s second district.
Miro is expected to slug it out with Sen. Koko Pimentel, who is now on his last term as senator.
Pimentel’s wife, Ma. Anna Kathryna Yu, will reportedly join the party-list elections next year.
Others who filed their COCs include Representatives Brian Yamsuan of Bicol Saro party-list, Toby Tiangco of Navotas, Mitch Cajayon of the second district of Caloocan, Carlo Lopez of Manila and Jose Jaime Enage of the second district of Marikina.
Yamsuan will be challenging Rep. Gus Tambunting in the second district of Parañaque. — Delon Porcalla, Jose Rodel Clapano