FORMER Pinamungajan mayor Geraldine “Gaye” Yapha has set aside her plans to run for governor of Cebu in favor of supporting the campaign of presidential candidate Senator Manny Pacquiao.
In a statement, Yapha said while she is grateful to Pacquiao for encouraging her and giving his “vote of confidence” in her abilities, she decided not to file her certificate of candidacy (COC) so she can focus on helping the senator in her campaign.
“The willingness to help Sen. Manny Pacquiao is far greater than pursuing a seat at the Capitol,” Yapha said.
Pacquiao had told members of Cebu media that he has chosen Yapha to run for governor under Abag-Promdi.
Despite Pacquiao’s announcement, Yapha did not show up at the Cebu Provincial Election Office on Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, even though her partymate Martin Mari Lozada, who filed his COC for governor in October, had withdrawn his candidacy.
In the data provided by Cebu Provincial Election supervisor Lionel Marco Castillano, there are six aspiring candidates who filed to withdraw their candidacy while three filed for substitution.
In Cebu City, Election Officer II Omar Shariff Mamalinta said their office recorded four withdrawals of COC and two substitutions.
Meanwhile, City of Naga Mayor Kristine Vanessa Chiong also decided to give way to her father, former mayor Valdemar Chiong, as she plans to pursue personal matters.
On Nov. 15, Chiong withdrew her candidacy in favor of her father.
In her statement, Chiong asked her constituents for their “kind understanding and support” as she decides to pursue personal endeavors and spend quality time in a private life. She, however, assured her supporters that this was not the end of her life as a public servant.
“I am not closing my doors to public office when time comes that our people will call on me to serve in the future,” Chiong said.