Lakas CMD is fielding 63 candidates, including seven for mayor and seven for vice mayor, in Negros Occidental for the May 2025 polls, Cadiz Mayor Salvador Escalante said.
The new party members joined a general assembly where they took their oaths as Lakas CMD members before Bacolod Vice Mayor El Cid Familaran at Nature’s Village Resort in Bacolod City on Monday, October 30.
Rep. Stephen Paduano (Abang Lingkod) said he facilitated the release of the Lakas CMD Certificates of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) for seven candidates for mayor, seven for vice mayor and 49 for councilor.
The seven Lakas CMD candidates for mayor are incumbents Salvador Escalante of Cadiz City and Madonnah Jaojoco of Toboso, and aspirants Mark Golez for Silay City, Rowena Lizares – Talisay City, Nehemia dela Cruz – Salvador Benedicto, Anejo Nicor – La Castellana and Mika – Escalante – Manapla.
The seven Lakas CMD vice mayoral bets are Miguel Zayco – Kabankalan City, Edgy Javellana – Candoni, Ryan Gamboa – Silay City, Edgar Edgar Pagayonan – Manapla, Richard Jaojoco – Toboso, Johnny Reosura – Murcia and Felix Matias Segundo Yulo III – Moises Padilla.
Golez and Gamboa of Silay who earlier took their oaths as Partido Federal ng Pilipinas members decided to instead join the Lakas CMD.
Silay Mayor Joedith Gallego who is seeking reelection is a member of PFP.
Golez said he and Gamboa resigned from PFP and joined Lakas CMD because he believes it is the party well suited for his vision and mission for Silay City.
They sought the clearance from former Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez and Victorias Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, who is running for congressman of the 3rd District of Negros Occidental, before transferring to Lakas CMD, Golez said.
Meanwhile, in Hinigaran town Vice Mayor Mary Grace Arceo is running for mayor, while her husband Mayor Jose Nadie Arceo will run for vice mayor.*