A former mayor is making a comeback in Toboso, a husband and wife tandem are switching posts in Hinigaran, and a businessman is joining the fray in Candoni.
Those were among the candidates who filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs) before the various Commission on Elections offices in Negros Occidental on Friday, Oct. 4.
Toboso Vice Mayor Richard Jaojoco filed his COC for mayor of Toboso, a post he previously held.
He will be replacing his wife Madonnah Jaojoco who is the incumbent mayor of Toboso.
Running for vice mayor of Toboso is Maria Luisa dela Cruz.
In Hinigaran Vice Mary Grace Arceo filed her COC for mayor, while her husband Nadie Arceo who is the incumbent mayor will run for vice mayor.
Ramonito Barcoma also filed his COC for mayor of Hinigaran, while businessman Jury Nabaja filed his COC for mayor of Candoni.
In La Castellana former councilor Donato Dumaguit, who is facing estafa raps in connection with a police recruitment scam, filed his COC for vice mayor.
The 13 other mayoral bets who filed their COCs earlier are:
· Nehemiah de la Cruz – Salvador Benedicto
· Risa Barello – EB Magalona
· Joedith Gallego – Silay City
· Rowena Lizares – Talisay City
· Ramon Torres – Bago City
· Ramil Carpio – Binalbagan
· Daph Reliquias – Hinoba-an
· John Paul Avarez – Ilog
· Eliezer Duron – Kabankalan City
· Gina Lizares – Sipalay City
· Jose Luis Jalandoni – La Carlota City
· Gerardo Rojas – Murcia
· Alan Martinez – Murcia
Western Visayas Regional Police Director, Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, said the filing of COCs in Western Visayas, including Negros Occidental, has been peaceful.
He urged candidates to file their COCs early to avoid the deadline rush on Tuesday. Oct. 8.*