Pangan: The race begins

THE fire and fury, excitement, and anticipation on the May 2019 elections have begun, with new and old, traditional aspirants gearing in different modes, all aiming to get the electorate's nod.

Starting from Senate posts down to congressional, mayoral and gubernatorial positions, all systems are go for the selection.

The Comelec says that the election paraphernalia are in place and ready for next year's electoral exercise. We must give the election body the benefit of the doubt.

In Mabalacat City, all eyes are on the candidates who would file their Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) starting October 11 to 17 the period prescribed by the election body for persons aiming to file their intentions for the elective posts of mayor, vice mayor and members of the Municipal Council.

This early, we see the incumbent mayor, Crisostomo C. Garbo filing his COC reportedly on October 12 which marks his birthday and his probable opponent, the incumbent city vice mayor, Christian C. Halili, filing his within the week.

The incumbent councilors are expected to file their COCs, with the exception of Councilor, lawyer Geld P. Aquino who will fight it out with former mayor Marino "Boking" Morales, his uncle, the city vice mayoralty posts.

Councilor Rox Pena has already completed his third and last term.

Poblacion Barangay chair Elmer "Totong" Mendiola is expected to file his COC for councilor under the ticket of Mayor Cris Garbo. Incumbent councilor Win Win Garbo is a shoo-in in her father's team. All the other incumbent councilors including my brother-in-law Eddie Sotto will definitely file the COCs within the prescribed period. Eddie celebrates his birthday on October 13th.

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In Angeles City, it would be an interesting match-up between city vice mayor lawyer Brian Matthew Nepomuceno and Alex Cauiguiran, the remarkable president & chief executive officer (CEO) of Clark International Airport, which saw its full development under Alex.

A good management man, Alex will certainly lead Angeles City to more impressive heights previously trail blazed by outgoing Mayor Edgardo "Edpam" D. Pamintuan. Ed who is eyeing to represent the first district in Congress will leave a legacy of accomplishments in Angeles City.

Joseph Ponce, a first-time councilor, has proven his worth in the Municipal Council of Angeles City. He has authored several relevant resolutions and is worthy to be reelected. Another revelation is Alfie Bonifacio, likewise a first-timer councilor who, like Joseph, has proven his skill in local legislation.

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In nearby Magalang, come backing Romy F. Pecson will try to get back his old post as he battles incumbent Mayor Malu Paras Lacson who, I heard, has not registered a remarkable record of service to Magalenos. Ergo, Romy has to make double time to edge out Malu or at least make a dent on her supporters and service record.

Romy's son, Ely Villanueva Pecson, vice president of Roel's, a widely-patronized processed food firm, will enter politics as a councilor.

This time, I hope, Romy will stage a furious comeback and not commit previous miscalculations. He has been a good mayor and Magalang deserves the best local chief executive.

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