Liberal candidates in Iloilo file candidacy papers

CANDIDATES under the ruling Liberal Party (LP) filed their certificates of candidacy (COC) on Tuesday albeit with an incomplete slate.

The team was led by reelectionist Governor Arthur Defensor Sr., who is running with partymate, Raul Tupas.

Tupas filed his COC for vice governor of Iloilo.

Pavia Mayor Arcadio Gorriceta, for his part, is running for second district representative, while Board Member Demy Sonza is seeking for reelection.

The province’s third district is led by reelectionist Representative Arthur Defensor Jr., with Board Members Licurgo Tirador and Emmanuel Gallar, who are also seeking for reelection.

Fourth district candidates under LP, meanwhile, are former governor Niel Tupas Sr., with partymates retired Army Colonel Romel Conte of San Enrique and Mitch Monfort of Dumangas, daughter of late Representative Narciso “Goodah” Monfort.

In the fifth district, those who filed their COCs were reelectionist Representative Niel Tupas Jr., who is running with his brother reelectionist Board Member Nielo Tupas and Tessie Villanueva of San Dionisio.

No candidates were fielded as of yet from the first district although the name of Vice Governor Richard Garin was announced as possible candidate for Congress.

Former Oton mayor Carina Flores was said to be running for board member, yet like Garin, Flores was a no-show on Tuesday.

In the second district, Board Member June Mondejar is said to be seeking reelection but was not seen in the company of LP team.

“We are confident of victory,” Defensor said. He admitted that the “fourth district [race] will be most challenging.”

Defensor’s challenger is fourth district Representative Dr. Ferjinel Biron.