• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The number of aspirants for local elective positions as well congressional posts in Negros Occidental for the May 2025 elections reached 281 as of Oct. 4 the fourth day of the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs).
The filing of COCs will end Oct. 8.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson is up for challenge from Partido Lakas ng Masa bet Paul Octaviano and independent candidate Ferdenand Diego in his reelection bid while vice gubernatorial candidate, Fourth District Board Member Jose Benito Alonso, remains unchallenged as of Friday.
The congressional aspirants are Joel Bantigue for the Third District and Erie Mahinay for the First District, while incumbent Rep. Mercedes Alvarez is seeking a second term in the Sixth District.
Former Mayor Evelio Leonardia and former seaman Romy Gustilo are vying for the Bacolod City Lone District congressional post.
Don Salvador Vice Mayor Nehemiah Joe dela Cruz filed his COC for mayor while Councilor Richard Jaojoco seeks to reclaim the mayoral post in Toboso.
Risa Barello also filed her COC for mayor of E.B. Magalona while incumbent Murcia Mayor Victor Gerardo Rojas is being challenged by Alan Martinez.
Mayor Joedith Gallego filed his COC for his second term as chief executive of Silay City.
Other mayoral candidates are lawyer Rowena Lizares for Talisay City, Ramon Torres – Bago City; Jose Luis Jalandoni – La Carlota City; Ramil Carpio – Binalbagan; Mary Grace Arceo and Ramonito Barcoma – Hinigaran; Jurry Nabaja – Cauayan; Daph Anthony Reliquias – Hinobaan; John Paul Alvarez – Ilog; Eliezer Duron – Kabankalan City; and Ma. Gina Lizares – Sipalay City.
Other candidates are running for provincial board member, vice mayor or councilor.
More candidates are expected to file their respective COCs on Oct. 5 to 8. | GB
