Shifting alliances and incumbents being pitted against their predecessors appear to be the predominant theme in Metro Manila politics as the period for the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) ends this week.
In Muntinlupa City, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi will run for another term, this time, without Vice Mayor Celso Dioko by his side.
Dioko earlier decided to be the running mate of Red Mariñas, who resigned on Friday as officer in charge of the Bureau of Immigration, in order to run against Fresnedi.
Mariñas’ team will be fielding former Mayor Aldrin San Pedro as its bet for Congress, pitting him against incumbent Rep. Ruffy Biazon.
All in the family
In Pasay, the Calixtos and a relative will try to retain their political foothold in the city. Mayor Antonino Calixto and his sister, Rep. Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, are swapping seats after both reached the three-term limit.
Seeking reelection are Councilors Mark Calixto and Joey Calixto Isidro, the son and nephew of the mayor, respectively.
Despite the Calixtos’ move from the Liberal Party to Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), President Duterte earlier expressed his support for mayoral candidate Cesar “Chet” Cuneta, brother of singer Sharon Cuneta and son of former Pasay Mayor Pablo Cuneta. He will be running under the National People’s Coalition which is allied with PDP-Laban.
In Las Piñas City, Mayor Imelda Aguilar will seek another term, this time running with her daughter, April. Former councilor Benjamin Gonzales will face off with the elder Aguilar for the mayoralty post.
In Parañaque, Mayor Edwin Olivarez, wants to go for a third and last term. He will run against his predecessor, former Mayor Florencio Bernabe Jr., who served for nine years.
In Taguig City, Rep. Arnel Cerafica of the first district was among the early birds, filing his COC for mayor on the first day. He will be up against former Rep. Lino Cayetano, brother-in-law of incumbent Mayor Lani Cayetano, who is serving her last term.