Negros Occidental 5TH Dist Election period starts for the special polls

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The election period for the June 2 special poll in the 5th District of Negros Occidental to fill the post vacated by the late congressman Iggy Arroyo, started last April 18 and will extend until June 17.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said the 5th district—with a voting population of more than 200,000—covers Himamaylan City and the towns of La Castellana, Moises Padilla, Isabela and Hinigaran.

Jimenez said candidates for the post should file their certificate of candidacy (CoC) on May 14 and 15. The campaign period will run from May 17 to May 31.

So far, only Binalbagan Mayor Alejandro Mirasol and his nephew, Provincial Board Member Emilio Yulo III, have expressed interest in running for congressman.

Possible candidates like PB Member Melvin Ibanez and Iggy’s sister, Ma. Lourdes Arroyo-Lesaca, earlier backed out of contention. Iggy’s partner, Grace Ibuna, who was also earlier rumored to be running for the post, has withdrawn to support instead the bid of Mirasol.

Another possible candidate, former PB Member Enrique Montilla, has not made a statement yet on whether he will run.

Mirasol was endorsed by the United Negros Alliance (UNA), the biggest coalition of major political parties in Negros Occidental, and by the Liberal Party of President Benigno Aquino III.

Of the five mayors in the 5th district, four said they would be supporting Mirasol. They were Hinigaran Mayor Hermilo Aguilar, Moises Padilla Mayor Francisco Nazareno, Isabela Mayor Francis Malabor, and La Castellana Mayor Alberto Nicor.

Himamaylan City Mayor Agustin Ernesto Bascon, an UNA member, pledged his support to Yulo, a cousin of his wife, saying family is more important than politics.

Meanwhile, a gun ban will be implemented in the entire 5th District during the election period. Also prohibited is the transfer or detail of civil servants and public school teachers and suspension of elective provincial, city, municipal or barangay officials.

Comelec added that the ban on public works and the hiring of new government employees will be effective from May 3 to June 1.