For Bohol 2nd district: Aumentado’s son files COC as replacement candidate

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines — Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado filed at Comelec-Bohol office his certificate of candidacy as replacement for his father, the late Rep. Erico Aumentado, for the congressional post of the 2nd district of Bohol.

Aris also submitted his certificate of nomination and acceptance (CONA) issued by the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), as the party’s official candidate, to then provincial election supervisor Eliseo Labaria after a Holy Mass he attended at St. Joseph Cathedral in this city.

Aris filed his COC during the 40th day of the death of his father, and he was accompanied by a throng of supporters—including Mayors Tom Gonzaga of Danao town, Hernie Relampagos of Dagohoy, Niño Rey Boniel of Bien-Unido and Eutiquio Bernales of Ubay, the hometown of Aumentado.

Others who went with Aris were former Provicial Board members Tommy Abapo, Jr and Ma. Fe Camacho-Lejos, gubernatorial candidate and incumbent Mayor Che Toribio delos Reyes of Carmen town and her running-mate Dr. Sharlene Corral-Lim, wife of incumbent city Mayor Dan Neri-Lim and other municipal and barangay officials.

The younger Aumentado was being groomed as heir to his father and now the official NPC replacement candidate against former congressman and incumbent mayor Roberto Cajes of Trinidad town.

In his press statement, the younger Aumentado assured the constituents that he would carry on what his father had started in the 2nd district, by continuing his father’s integrity and genuine public service.

“My candidacy will not change the ways of my father who always led with his heart in true service that eased the hardship of the people in the district in the fight against hunger and poverty; a fight that had no measure,” said Aris.

In his speech, Aris assured the constituents that he would return the favor of their support by fulfilling his father’s promises and would even strive more for development.

On the other hand, Henry Cojuangco, president of the NPC, assured Aris of the party’s full support to ensure his victory in the May 13 elections. Even NPC reelectionist Senator Loren Legarda personally expressed support for Aris with the assurance of providing him with whatever is needed to win as congressman.

Aris said he never expected that even if he was just a new member of the NPC, the party stalwarts are willing to help him along. (FREEMAN)