Negros Occ., Bacolod City officials file CoCs

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines  — Negros Occidental Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez Jr. was the first to file his certificate of candidacy (CoC) for governor yesterday, the first day of filing of CoCs for the May 13, 2013 elections.

Alvarez, the standard bearer of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) who was also endorsed by NPC founder and chairman emeritus Danding Cojuangco Jr., is challenging the reelection bid of incumbent Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr.

Alvarez and Marañon were former allies in the United Negros Alliance, a local coalition of political parties also founded by Cojuangco in 2001. Both are running mates in 2010. The governor is expected to file his CoC on Wednesday.

Alvarez’s daughter, Rep. Mercedes Alvarez (6th district, Negros Occ), also filed her CoC yesterday for a second term.

Fifth district Provincial Board Member Emilio Yulo III also filed his COC yesterday, seeking a return bout for congressman against incumbent Rep. Alejandro Mirasol of the Liberal Party, who succeeded the late Rep. Ignacio Arroyo in a special election last June.

Third district PB Member Patrick Lacson dropped his bid as nominee of Abang Lingkod party-list and decided to run for a third and last term.

Third district Rep. Alfredo Benitez, LP provincial chairman, also filed his CoC for a second term. Benitez reiterated the LP’s “partnership agreement” with the NPC, involving LP’s support of Alvarez and his vice gubernatorial candidate, former San Carlos City mayor Eugenio Jose Lacson.

In Bacolod City, Lone District Rep. Anthony Rolando Golez was the first to file his CoC for a second term. His reelection bid will be challenged by incumbent Mayor Evelio Leonardia, who is now on his third and last term as mayor.

Former Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella, who is running for mayor against incumbent Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, formally announced his candidacy and line-up in a press conference yesterday afternoon.

Puentevella said his complete slate will file their CoCs on Wednesday. (FREEMAN)