Returning, incumbent solons early COC filers in Negros Occidental

BACOLOD CITY – Two candidates vying for a seat at the House of Representatives were the early bird filers of their certificates of candidacy (COCs) before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Negros Occidental on Thursday.

Former Rep. Genaro Alvarez filed his COC for congressman of the 6th district of Negros Occidental under the Nationalist People’s Coalition at exactly 8 a.m. He was accompanied by his daughter, Deputy Speaker Mercedes Alvarez, and Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson.

Alvarez said he is running because his daughter is on her last term as congresswoman of the 6th district. He also said he likes the job of a congressman.

According to Alvarez, he would help residents needing heart operations and kidney transplants by allocating funds for them if ever he becomes their congressional representative.

Alvarez is also eyeing the conversion of Kabankalan into a highly urbanized city. He further hopes that through legislation, a regional hospital extension can be put up in Kabankalan City to decongest the regional hospital in Bacolod City and better serve the people in southern Negros.

Rep. Juliet Marie Ferrer also filed her COC for a second term as congresswoman of the 4th district under the National Unity Party/United Negros Alliance at 10 a.m. She was accompanied by her husband Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer, Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr., Board Member Salvador Escalante, and officials of the 4th district of Negros Occidental.

She said she is seeking reelection to continue her projects – building of roads and classrooms, as well as scholarships – in the 4th district because three years was not enough to finish them. /kga