• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Cauayan Mayor John Rey Tabujara and Himamaylan City Mayor Rogelio Raymund Tongson were the latest local chief executives in Negros Occidental to announce their intention to seek reelection.
The filing of certificate of candidacy for the 2025 mid-term elections is slated in October this year.
Tabujara, who is eyeing a third and final term, yesterday said he is “ready and open to anyone” who may want to run against him.
His statement came following reports that former President Rodrigo Duterte will endorse a candidate to challenge Tabujara in the Cauayan mayoralty race.
“We can’t stop anyone from running as we are in a democracy,” he said.
Tabujara said that if he has an opponent, “I will know if the people still love me or not. They should prove to the people of Cauayan that they are worthy to run for public office”.
Tongson confirmed on Jan. 24 that it would be still be a TOGA tandem in Himamaylan City in next year’s elections.
TOGA refers to Tongson and incumbent Vice Mayor Justin Gatuslao.
Kabankalan City Mayor Benjie Miranda earlier confirmed that he will also seek reelection for a second term. | GB
