Tuesday, October 23, 2007 Former congressman runs for barangay chief
ASIDE from giving a chance to children and relatives of prominent politicians to join the political arena, the upcoming elections have also become a venue for former politicians to revive their careers.
One of them is former congressman Emerito “Tito” Calderon, who is running for barangay captain of Poblacion, Samboan. He is running against Melito Siñeres.
Calderon served Congress as party-list representative of Cocofed for two terms, since 1998 until 2004. But prior to that, he served as assemblyman for several years during the time of then president Ferdinand Marcos.
Calderon’s wife, Beatriz, also served as mayor of Samboan for years during the Marcos regime.
Calderon’s granddaughter, Bea Mercede, is also vying for the SK post of Poblacion, Samboan against Fritchie Noreen Aniñon.
Bea Mercede is the eldest child of Dr. Emerito Calderon Jr.
Political clan
She hopes to replace her cousin, Ramon Martin Calderon who is sitting as an ex-officio member of the PB, being the overall SK chairman of the province.
The Calderons are among the most prominent political families of Samboan.
They lost control of the town years ago but recently, they have regained it.
Peter John Calderon defeated James Arnold Abines in 2001 and served as town mayor for two terms. Peter John was elected as PB member for the second district in the May 14 elections.
His twin brother Raymond, who is Ramon Martin’s father, is now the incumbent Samboan mayor.
Samboan is not the only town where relatives and children of politicians are vying for positions this coming elections.
In Pinamungajan, Rogelio, the brother of former congressman and defeated gubernatorial bet Antonio Yapha is running for barangay captain of barangay Poblacion.
Stroke
Although he suffered a stroke after filing his certificate of candidacy, he will still push through with his plans.
Antonio’s granddaughter, Jephthah, is running uncontested for SK chairmanship of Poblacion, Pinamungajan.
Jephthah is the daughter of former Pinamungajan mayor and now Vice Mayor Jeffrey Yapha. (MBG)
