7 Benguet incumbents unopposed in 2013

SEVEN incumbent Benguet officials are already considered winners in the 2013 elections because no one dared to run against them.

On the list of the Commissions on Elections (Comelec) Regional Office, these officials are: Bokod Mayor Mauricio Macay, Buguias Vice Mayor Ireneo Calwag, Kabayan Mayor Faustino Aquisan, Kibungan Mayor Benito Siadto, La Trinidad Vice Mayor Romeo Salda, Sablan Mayor Arthur Baldo, and Tublay Mayor Ruben Paoad.

Meanwhile, the National Unity Party headed by Governor Nestor Fongwan dominated the province among five parties. It has 101 members from the 13 municipalities of Benguet, while the Liberal Party chaired by Representative Ronald Cosalan has 92 members.

The National People’s Coalition has two members and the United Nationalist Alliance has nine members.

However, there are 79 candidates who opted to be independent. These are mostly from Mankayan, Itogon and Bokod with 22, 18 and 10 candidates, respectively.

La Trinidad has the highest list of candidates with 35 competitors, while Kapangan has the lowest candidates with only 12 aspirants. These include positions from mayor, vice mayor to councilors.

The rejection of a certificate of candidacy is viable if the community petitioned the candidate for a valid reason. The Comelec will conduct an investigation on it prior to the rejection if proven the petition is factual.