All candidates to Mandaue’s top 2 posts not re-electionists

CEBU, Philippines - If the Commission on Elections approves all certificates of candidacy filed this week, Mandaue City will be seeing a two-way mayoral race, three-way vice mayoral race and 24 contenders in the City Council contest.

All five candidates to the first two highest posts in Mandaue are not re-electionists.

Comelec records show the fight for the mayoral seat next year is only between Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon of One Cebu and Sixth District Representative Luis Gabriel “Luigi” Quisumbing of Liberal Party.

The vice mayoral post, however, will be fought by three aspirants, namely Beethooven Andaya of One Cebu, Carlo Fortuna of LP and Estanislao Sanchez Jr. who is running as independent.

Meanwhile, as of 3 p.m. yesterday, there were 24 filers for councilor.

Under LP are Cynthia Remedio, Jun Delmar, Leo Jabas, Nene Layese, Jun Cortes, Tony Dabon, Kevin Cabahug, Olin Seno, Marvin Soco and Alfonso Albano.

Council candidates under One Cebu are Jesus Edward Monsanto, Benjamin Basiga, George Benson Mendoza, Elmer Cabahug, Cesar Cabahug Jr., Erwin Rommel Heyrosa, Emiliano Rosal, Procopio Villanueva, Malcolm Sanchez and Maria Edita Montesa.

Edgar Cortes, Ricardo Mendoza, Silvirio Toring Jr. and Frank Tanutan are independent councilor candidates.

Mandaue City Election Officer Anna Fleur Gujilde said all COCs will be forwarded to Comelec-Manila for scrutiny. Early next year, a certified list of candidates will be released.

Yesterday was the last day of COC filing. — Liv G. Campo (FREEMAN)