• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Former Mayor Evelio Leonardia, a congressional aspirant for Bacolod City Lone District, and reelectionist Negros Occidental Sixth District Rep. Mercedes Alvarez led the early birds during the Day 1 filing of certificate of candidacy for the May 2025 midterm elections.
Alvarez, who is seeking a second term, was joined by her nephew, Sipalay City Councilor Genaro “Ralph” Alvarez IV, a board member aspirant, and reelectionist Board Member Jeffrey Tubola before the Commission on Elections at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City.
After attending a 2 p.m. mass at the San Sebastian Cathedral in Bacolod City, Leonardia, accompanied by his wife Elsa, daughter Kara, and hundreds of supporters also filed his COC at the Bacolod Comelec office.
Leonardia is expected to run against incumbent Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, who earlier signified his intention to run for congressman as reported by his spokesman, Singcang-Airport village chief Caesar Distrito.
Leonardia was defeated by Benitez in the 2022 mayoral race.
Having been mayor of Bacolod City for 18 years, Leonardia said he feels it is now the time for him to move to the next level, adding that it was a long process for him to decide to seek a higher post.
“I can’t stay on the same level, parameter. I want to widen my horizon and serve the people at the different level,” he added.
In Negros Occidental, a certain Alicia Cusay Baviera of Candoni tried to file the COC of Ferdinand Etabag Diego for the position of governor.
When the Comelec examined the documents she presented, it was found that she has no authority to file it.
Romy Gustilo, a 52-year-old former seafarer, who wants to run for congressman in Bacolod City, was advised by the Comelec to complete the required documents in filing a COC.
Two Fourth District board member aspirants, Bago City Mayor Nicholas Yulo and Paula Alonso Valderrama, also filed their COCs.
In Silay City, incumbent Mayor Joedith Gallego and running mate, Vice Mayor Thomas Maynard Ledesma, as well as their councilor aspirants under Team Ugyon Silaynon, also filed their COCs on Tuesday. | GB
