Some aspirants for key posts in the May 2025 local elections in the province of Catanduanes are expected to wait until the last hour of the Oct. 8, 2024 deadline set by the Commission of Elections before filing their Certificates of Candidacy (CoCs).
The final slate of candidates to be fielded by the political alliance of Governor Joseph “Boboy” Cua, his brother, Vice Governor Peter “Bos Te” Cua, and Talino at Galing ng Pinoy (TGP) Partylist Congressman Jose “Bong” Teves Jr. was supposed to be finalized last weekend.
Among the key posts still subject to party discussion last week were those of the governor, vice governor and mayor of the capital town of Virac, with the final decision hinging on where Gov. Cua ends up.
Some supporters are reportedly pushing the provincial chief executive to run again but key advisers are worried that Cua could face petitions to either cancel his CoC or disqualify him from running for another term.
It may be recalled that when he ran for his second term in 2019, he was slapped with a six-month preventive suspension in connection with the alleged unauthorized use of the former JMA Theatre property by E.R. Rodriguez Construction owned by then Bato Mayor and now Congressman Eulogio R. Rodriguez.
Then, just days before the elections, the Ombudsman found him guilty of gross neglect of duty and suspended him from office for one year without pay.
Despite winning the race against then Cong. Cesar V. Sarmiento by a landslide, he was prevented from assuming office for his second straight term and got back the post only at the end of April 2020. In the 2022 elections, Cua again won comfortably against then Vice Gov. Shirley Abundo.
Last May 28, 2024, the Court of Appeals found favor in Cua’s appeal and stated he was liable only for simple neglect of duty, for which he was meted the penalty of suspension from office for one month and one day.
While backers of his return to the Capitol cite the Supreme Court’s Tallado decision as basis, cautious political allies say then Camarines Norte Gov. Edgar Tallado was dismissed, while Cua was merely suspended for a year, which was later reduced to 31 days.
If he runs for what could be his fourth straight term, Cua’s opponents could file a petition to deny due course to or cancel his CoC based on the eligibility question.
Pursuant to COMELEC Resolution No. 11046, if such a petition is granted by final judgment, the CoC of the candidate would be cancelled and his votes would be considered stray votes. If the petition is granted after proclamation, the proclamation of the questioned candidate would be declared null and void, with the person obtaining the second highest number of votes to be proclaimed.
On the other hand, if a disqualification petition is filed and granted by final judgment and the disqualified candidate obtains the highest number of votes, the candidate with the second highest number of votes cannot be proclaimed and the rule of succession, if allowed, shall be observed, the resolution states.
Assuming that this precludes another run for the gubernatorial post, Gov. Cua’s options would be limited to the vice governorship, with his brother replacing him, or the post to be vacated by Virac Mayor Samuel Laynes who is running for congressman.
If he decides to exchange posts with his brother, possible opponents for the top Sangguniang Panlalawigan post could be former Vice Gov. Shirley Abundo or PBM Jan Ferdinand Alberto, who is also rumored to be thinking of a run for congressman or governor.
Virac’s mayorship would then be up for grabs between former Mayor Sinforoso Sarmiento, Vice Mayor Arlynn Arcilla or possibly topnotcher councilor Hazel Isidoro, with the top Sangguniang Bayan post to be contested by Councilor Lemuel Surtida and a still unnamed aspirant.
On the other hand, if the governor drops down to run in Virac, it will be a three-horse race between him, Sarmiento and Arcilla, unless the latter is persuaded to run for provincial board member in the East district.
The vice governorship would then be fought over by Abundo and PBM Robert Fernandez, or, if the alliance goes for a sure win, Baras Mayor Jose Paolo Teves III.
According to Capitol insiders, the final decision is supposed to be made last Sunday, with the voting public to learn about it when the CoCs are filed.
In the crowded SP East district, all four incumbent PBMs – Robert Fernandez of Panganiban, Josevan Balidoy, Dean Roberto Vergara and veteran Edwin Tanael – are said to be running for reelection although Balidoy is said to be having second thoughts while Fernandez is contemplating a run for Panganiban mayor or the vice governorship.
They could face some competition from graduating Bato Vice Mayor Roy Regalado, former PBM Arnel Turado, a certain Tolledo from Gigmoto or 2022 aspirant Nilo Sanchez who nearly knocked off Tanael from the winning column.
Other possible SP East aspirants is former PBM Lorenzo “Bolotoy” Templonuevo Jr., who is also angling to return to Bato as vice mayor, and Bato Councilor Renz Mickenly Tanael.
In the West district, at least one slot will be vacated with the graduation of third termer PBM Rafael Zuniega and, two, if PBM Alberto goes for a higher post.
Slated to contest the four seats under the Cua-Teves alliance are PBM Santos V. Zafe, PBM Jose Romeo R. Francisco, Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation President Fred Benedict T. Gianan and a still unnamed aspirant.
The other possible bets are Virac Councilors Giovanni Balmadrid and Xyrell Albaniel, former PBM Ariel Molina, or Vice Mayor Arcilla if she gives up her vow to run for mayor.
Here’s a look at the political landscape of the province as of last week:
LONE DISTRICT – Virac Mayor Samuel Laynes is said to be gaining popularity among likely voters against incumbent Rep. Eulogio Rodriguez, with the other likely candidates former Cong. Cesar Sarmiento, PBM Jan Ferdinand Alberto and Catanduanes State University Patrick Alain Azanza who has reportedly said his goodbyes to university faculty, staff and students.
SAN ANDRES – Although he is hopeful of being named top nominee of a partylist group, Mayor Atty. Leo Mendoza is still considering a run for reelection despite alleged issues that has him slightly behind former Mayor Dr. Aly Romano in a survey. Also mentioned as viable bets are Councilors Rommel Antonio and Felix Romero Jr. No
CARAMORAN – Mayor Glenda Aguilar is the favorite to win her third and last term but her political leadership would be tested by CatSU Board of Regents member Atty. Ramil Joselito Tamayo and former PBM Neil Asanza. Vice Mayor Ferdinand Tioxon, who won in a four-person race in 2022, reportedly has two possible challengers – 2022 mayoralty also-ran Luna Pellisco and Councilor Matt Fernandez.
PANDAN – It will be a rematch between Mayor Raul “Takoy” Tabirara and former Mayor and Bar passer Honesto “Olog” Tabligan II, who lost to the former in 2022 by 883 votes, while Vice Mayor Eric Rodriguez is facing a challenge from 2022 topnotcher Councilor Jezreel delos Santos.
BAGAMANOC – Another rematch is in the offing in this northern town between Mayor Odilon “Hadi” Pascua and former Mayor Vincent Villaluna, with their 2022 clash resulting in a 562-vote victory for the former vice mayor. Vice Mayor Juan “Toho” Velchez Jr. is reportedly being challenged by retired election officer Zaldy Vicente.
PANGANIBAN – Mayor Cesar “Etal” Robles’ bid for a second term could be tougher if PBM Robert Fernandez tries to take his former post. Another mayoral bet is Assistant Prosecutor Erwin Peña. No one has come out to dare Vice Mayor Arvin Atencia but an opponent could crop up any time.
VIGA – It is relatively peaceful in the province’s rice granary as far as politics is concerned, with Vice Mayor Jennifer Tuplano running for the top post in an alliance with Mayor Emeterio “Bong” Tarin who is dropping down to vice mayor in the 2025 polls.
GIGMOTO – Mayor Vicente “At-At” Tayam Jr. has no challenger as of press time, with the councilor who was offered a run for the chief executive post deciding to go against Vice Mayor Rodrigo Turado.
BARAS – With thoughts of a run for vice governorship far from his mind, Mayor Jose Paolo Teves III is set to win his third and last term along with Vice Mayor Rico Tating with potential rivals still unknown.
BATO – An exciting battle is set between Mayor Juan “Johnny” Rodulfo and the daughter of the incumbent congressman, Vanessa Rodriguez. The vice mayorship will be contested by four candidates: former PBM Lorenzo “Bolotoy” Templonuevo Jr., Councilor Reynato Teston, Councilor Pedro “Bong” Vergara, and former Councilor Roberto Tasarra.
SAN MIGUEL – Outgoing Mayor Francisco Camano Jr. has yet to choose between his sons Francis and Ruel on who to field against 2022 runner-up Antonio Teves. Vice Mayor Noel Morales will be opposed by 2022 topnotcher Councilor Manuel Sumulat.