AT LEAST three personalities will be vying for Benguet’s congressional seat in the 2019 mid-term elections.
Gunning for the position is former governor Nestor Fongwan under Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP)-Laban, Mankayan Mayor Materno Luspian under Lakas CMD and independent candidate Thorrsson Keith.
The post became a free-for-all after Benguet Representative Ronald Cosalan, in a news report, announced his retirement from politics.
Cosalan served as Benguet representative for five terms. He said he will retire from politics to give young leaders the chance to lead Benguet.
In the race for the gubernatorial post, incumbent Governor Crescencio Pacalso will be seeking his second term.
He is being challenged by former Buguias mayor Melchor Diclas running under PDP-Laban and Alexander Tadina, an independent candidate.
Incumbent Vice-Governor Florence Tingbaoen meanwhile will go head to head against incumbent Board Member Johnny Waguis under PDP-Laban.
Incumbent Provincial Board Members Florencio Bentrez [PDP-Laban] Juan Nazarro Jr. [NPC], Bernard Waclin [Lakas CMD], Jim Botiwey [Lakas-CMD], Fernando Balaodan, Apolinario Camsol, Roberto Canuto, Robert Namoro and Ruben Paoad all under PDP-Laban will also seek fresh mandates.
Other candidates gunning for the provincial board are Johannes Amuasen (Kilusang Bagong Lipunan), Roberto Basco (independent), Patrick Alcedo (independent), Ronald Celino (independent), Alexander Fianza (PDP-Laban), Hanalyn Oldico (PDP-Laban), Norberto Pacio (PDP-Laban), Mario Abuan (Lakas-CMD), Arnold Bugnay (independent), Richard Kilaan (Partido Federal ng Pilipinas), Manuel Lawana (independent), Rosendo Salvacio (independent), and Louhdwig Soriano (PDP-Laban).
Filing of certificates of candidacy ended on October 17. As of Thursday, October 18, the Commission on Elections said it was still consolidating its data to come up with the complete list of candidates for mayor, vice-mayor and councilors in each of the 13 municipalities of Benguet province.