• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Politics in Negros Occidental has remained a family affair as indicated in the certificates of candidacy (COCs) submitted by the aspirants in the May 2025 midterm elections.
La Castellana Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan disputed claims that political dynasty exists, stressing that “we are in the position because of elections.”
Aside from Mangilimutan, her father, Alberto Nicor, and two brothers, Anejo and Alberto III, are presently serving as vice mayor and councilors, respectively.
The mayor and Anejo, who are switching positions, are set to file their COCs for the vice mayor and mayor, respectively, on Oct. 8.
Her son, Ronnie, will also run for councilor in La Castellana.
“We are here because of the trust and confidence of the people of La Castellana. It really depends on them, if they will choose our family,” she added.
Mangilimutan said that her father has been a public servant for 50 years, from serving in the barangay until he became a town official.
On Saturday, Moises Padilla Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia-Yulo filed her COC for her third and last term, with her husband, Felix Mathias Yulo, as her running mate.
Her former running mate, Vice Mayor Ian Villaflor, is challenging her in the mayoral race.
Yulo said that her husband was endorsed by 14 of the 15 barangay captains.
She also debunked the political dynasty claims, saying that they are being elected by the people.
“It depends on the people, if they want us. That is why, there is an election,” she added.
The mayor’s nephew, Councilor Vincent Garcia, is also seeking reelection.
Hinigaran Mayor Nadie Arceo and his wife, Vice Mayor Grace Arceo, are also switching positions, in next year’s elections.
Another husband and wife tandem are Binalbagan Mayor Alejandro Mirasol and Vice Mayor Mary Ann Mirasol.
It remains a mother and son tandem in Isabela, where Mayor Irene Montilla and her son, Vice Mayor Juan Miguel, are seeking reelection.
Siblings Mayor Gina Montilla Lizares and Vice Mayor Oscar Montilla also filed their COCs for third and final term in Sipalay City.
Similarly, Mayor John Rey Tabujara and his sister, Vice Mayor Ana Liza Soriano, are eyeing another term in Cauayan.
In Ilog, the vice mayoral candidate is John Paulo Alvarez, son of reelectionist Mayor John Paul Alvarez.
The mayor’s younger sister, Sixth Rep. Mercedes Alvarez, also filed her COC for a second term, while their nephew, Ralph, is also an aspirant for board member.
Isidro Zayco, who will try to reclaim the mayoral post of Kabankalan City, filed his COC in tandem with relative, incumbent Vice Mayor Miguel Zayco.
Both are challenging incumbent Mayor Benjie Miranda, whose wife Divina, will also run for vice mayor.
Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer is looking to return as a congressman of the Fourth District as his wife, Rep. Juliet Marie Ferrer, is set to end her term next year.
He will be challenged by Engr. Lea Delfinado, who also filed her COC with her son, Leo Carlo, who is running for board member.
Vice Mayor Ramon Torres is running for Mayor of Bago City, in tandem with his son, Fourth District Board Member Andrew Martin Torres.
Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez also filed his COC for congressman of the Third District on Sunday, a position vacated by his uncle Jose Francisco Benitez, who is now the director general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
Lawyer Rowena Lopez Lizares filed a COC for mayor of Talisay City, hoping to succeed her husband, Mayor Neil Lizares.
Matthew Louis Malacon will also run for mayor of E.B. Magalona as his father, Mayor Marvin Malacon, will end his term next year.
Second District Rep. Alfredo Marañon III is aiming for a second term while his brother, Sagay City Councilor Arthur Marañon, filed a COC for board member.
Both are sons of the late Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr.
Manapla Mayor Manuel Escalante III is giving up a third term in Manapla. Instead, his daughter Councilor Mika Escalante, filed a COC for mayor.
In Cadiz City, Councilor Vincent Escalante is the vice mayoral candidate of his uncle, reelectionist Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr.
Councilor Richard Jaojoco filed his COC to return as mayor of Toboso, aiming to succeed his wife, Mayor Madonnah Jaojoco.
In Don Salvador Benedicto town, Vice Mayor Nehemiah Joe dela Cruz will run for mayor.
His elder brother, Mayor Marxlen dela Cruz, is a board member aspirant for the First District. | GB
