Marañon to file COC Wednesday

NEGROS Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. is set to file his certificate of candidacy (COC) 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office.

Marañon earlier said he chose Wednesday because it is his lucky date and he opted to file at at 3 p.m. because it is also his lucky hour that will give him another three years to continue his 11-point agenda for the province.

Marañon did not yet divulge his running mate.

However, Sun.Star learned from reliable sources that Board Member Melvin Ibañez might be his running mate because La Carlota City Mayor Marie Ferrer, who was reported earlier to run as vice governor, will instead be seeking reelection.

Ferrer and her husband, Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer (4th district, Negros Occidental) are set to make an announcement about their decision when they file their candidacy papers on Friday. The congressman will also be seeking a re-election for his last term.

Expected to be with Marañon in filing his candidacy papers Wednesday is his complete slate for board members and some congressmen under the United Negros Alliance (UNA). Some mayors under UNA are also set to file their COC Wednesday in their respective towns and cities.

Silay City Mayor Jose Montelibano is also set to file his COC at 3 p.m. Wednesday with Vice Mayor Mark Andrew Golez (reelectionist) and their entire slate for the members of the City Council.

The UNAs candidates for congressmen are Nehemias de la Cruz (first district), Sagay City Mayor Rafael Leo Cueva (second district), and Representative Jeffery Ferrer (fourth district).

Marañon said their entire slate will be finally known Wednesday. (Teresa D. Ellera)