Wednesday, March 28, 2007 Baguio poll bets known By Rimaliza Opiña
CANDIDATES vying for elective positions in Baguio started their week by trooping to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) regional office on Tuesday to file their respective certificates of candidacy (COCs).
As early as 8 a.m. Tuesday, supporters of the Independent Baguio Coalition (IBC) were at the Comelec compound waiting for the arrival of their candidates, who appeared at 10:15 a.m.
After attending a mass at the City Hall and undergoing drug tests, IBC bets Rocky Thomas Balisong, Perlita Chan-Rondez, Galo Weygan, Richard Cariño, Richard Zarate and Nick Parado walked from their headquarters to the Comelec to file their respective CoCs.
The Koalisyon Kontra Katiwalian (KKK) is set to file their COCs on Wednesday. The group opened its headquarters at Legarda Road and also had themselves tested for prohibited drugs at the PNP Crime Laboratory. All KKK bets passed the test.
The KKK is composed of Councilor Jose Molintas for congressman, suspended Mayor Braulio Yaranon who is seeking reelection, Councilor Faustino Olowan for vice mayor and lawyer Fred Bagbagen, Engineer Popo Cosalan, Barangay Bakakeng Central chairwoman Helen Miranda, Alan Garcia, Architect Joseph Marrero and lawyer Alan Mazo for councilors.
Baguio Representative Mauricio Domogan and former mayor Bernardo Vergara also underwent drug tests but as of press time, their group including that of acting Vice Mayor Leandro Yangot Jr. who is also running for mayor and Councilor Elmer Datuin as his running mate have not announced as to when they would file their COCs.
Acting Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. also filed his candidacy for mayor. His running mate is Tony Tabora.
Former councilors Ed Bilog and Lulu Tabanda, Councilor Daniel Fariñas, journalist Jogin Tamayo, Jionie Itliong and Baguio City Council secretary Ronaldo Perez will run for councilor under the Bautista-Tabora team.
