Bet for council who died replaced by his brother

BACOLOD CITY , Philippines — Prospero, a brother of City Mayor Evelio Leonardia was chosen by the family to substitute as candidate for councilor their brother Andre, who died last January 5.

Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, who is running for mayor, said the other day that the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC)-Grupo Progreso, is supporting the choice of the Leonardia family.

Under Comelec Resolution No. 9518, no substitution of candidates due to withdrawal shall be allowed after Dec. 21, 2012 but a substitute for a candidate who died or is disqualified by final judgment, may file his certificate of candidacy (CoC) up to mid-day of election day, provided that the substitute and the substituted have the same surnames.

Prospero was endorsed by his younger brother, Mayor Evelio, chairman of NPC-Grupo Progreso who is running for congressman of the lone district of Bacolod.

The mayor said their family had to come up with a replacement to comply with the law and especially to pursue the goals and commitments that Andres had started.

Evelio said they were able to convince Prospero to carry the torch for the crusade of their beloved brother. He said Prospero is an architect and has had 20 years experience of working at City Hall so they believe he is qualified to be in public service.

Sayson said they will work for the inclusion of Prospero in the NPC by securing a certificate of nomination and acceptance for him.  (FREEMAN)