In Cebu, Pacquiao party left without top bets

CEBU CITY, Cebu, Philippines — Two top candidates fielded by Sen. Manny Pacquiao in Cebu province withdrew their certificates of candidacy (COC) on Monday, a day after the boxer-turned-politician visited the province for a series of events.

Martin Mari Lozada of the Probinsya Muna Development Initiative (Promdi) party, under which Pacquiao is running for president, withdrew his gubernatorial bid but no candidate had filed a COC to run in his place.

Lozada was supposed to be replaced by Geraldine Yapha, former mayor of Pinamungajan, but the latter did not file a COC on the last day of the substitution of candidates on Monday.

With this development, the race for governor of Cebu is now down to three candidates: reelectionist Gwendolyn Garcia, former Tourism Secretary Ace Durano and independent Nito Magnanao.

Pacquiao, honorary chair of Promdi, the political party organized by the late Cebu Gov. Emilio Mario “Lito” Osmeña, earlier floated the possibility of Yapha gunning for the province’s top post under their party.

Another Promdi candidate, Antonio Pono, who filed a COC for representative of Cebu’s third district, also withdrew from the race against reelectionist Pablo John Garcia, who is now unopposed.

In Talisay City, Mayor Gerald Anthony Gullas of the Alayon party withdrew his COC for representative on Nov. 12 and instead opted for reelection. He replaced his wife, Rhea, who will now run for representative in the first district of Cebu.

In Cebu City, former Mayor Tomas Osmeña dropped out of the congressional race and was replaced by BG Rodrigo, son of incumbent Rep. Rodrigo Abellanosa of Cebu City south district.

Osmeña will no longer seek an elective post. His wife, Margot, however, is running for mayor of Cebu City against acting Mayor Michael Rama.

In Bohol province, former Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Neri Lim on Monday filed his COC for mayor.

Lim of the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino became the substitute candidate for his son, Dan Ismael, who will now run for councilor.

—REPORTS FROM DALE G. ISRAEL AND LEO UDTOHAN