As early as seven months prior to the forthcoming May elections 2004, aspiring local candidates from different parties are now making themselves visible and also pronouncing their desire to govern and serve our municipal constituents.
For sure, and for his last term, Mayor Armando V. Abad will seek re-election together with incumbent Vice- mayor Norman V. Mendoza, his tandem to reckon this coming election. The desire of former mayor Chester A. Elaydo to come back is still in the process, and now it is rumored that his sister-in-law SBM Mildred M. Elaydo will team up with the former executive.
In the race for the eight (8) seats for the municipal council, five of the eight are sure to seek re-election. Number one councilor Florence V, Ramirez, M.D. will surely run again as independent. Administration Sangguniang Bayan Members (SBM), Johnny Cabalo, Jose Eleccion, Arnold Eala and Anita Imperial are among the eight who will also seek for re-election. SBM Sulpicio Mendoza will not be a candidate next election due health constraint while SBM Ely Elaydo is completing his 3rd or last term as SBM. According to an unfounded information, the administration party is eyeing up on former SBMs Rodolfo Galimba and Hermes Caceres to join in the slot. Bateria barangay captain, Carlos Ordoñez and probably a choice between Rogelio Arreola and barangay secretary Jimmy Valencia, both of barangay Apatot, will complete the line up for the administration. As for the opposition bets for SBMs , I obtained these names. Heading the list is the former vice-mayor Solomon V. Benitez, followe d by media man Jorge Balmaceda, Kagawad Anastacio Anquillano of Apatot, Jeoffrey Elaydo of Ansad, Kagawad Roy Ysmael of Cabaroan, Kagawad RJ Elaydo of San Nicolas, retired army official Fred Tabila of barangay San Rafael and radio correspondent Alvin John Serrano of barangay San Pablo. Also rumored to run as independents are former SBM and balikbayan Miss Diosdada Abad and former San Rafael barangay captain Estrella Ea.
Let us just keep our fingers crossed and hope that these present and future candidates will all connive with the Commission on Election’s guide lines in order to have a clean, honest and orderly election this coming National election on May 2004.
/:susan (S.A.E.)
