Known politicians in Visayas file COCs on last day

Known personalities in the Visayas waited for the last day to file their certificates of candidacy (COC) on Friday.

Feisty talent manager Annabelle Rama filed her COC for north district representative in Cebu City along with her cousin, Mayor Mike Rama and the rest of the Team Rama slate.

The reelection bid of Rama will be challenged by former ally, Rep. Tomas Osmeña of Cebu City south district. Osmeña and his slate also beat the deadline in the filing of COC yesterday.

Annabelle Rama will face former Rep. Raul del Mar whose family has been dominating the north district since 1987.

Former tourism secretary Joseph Ace Durano filed his COC for 5th district congressman against One Cebu candidate, Alfie Pepito, an entertainer.

Cebu’s gubernatorial race will be between Hilario Davide III, son of former chief justice Hilario Davide Jr., and Rep. Pablo John Garcia of the 3rd district, Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia’s brother.

Durano’s aunt, Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, will run against another relative, Ramon “Boboy” Durano IV.

Governor Garcia will run for third district representative against Pinamungajan Mayor Geraldine Yapha.

In Mandaue City, Mayor Jonas Cortes of LP has no opponent.

The same thing also happened in Leyte. Leopoldo Dominigo Petilla, brother of Gov. Jerico Petilla, is running unopposed for governor.

Businessman Benjamin Philip Romualdez was expected to run against Petilla for governor but he didn’t show up. The Inquirer called up Romualdez’s camp but no one was willing to talk on the record.

But Romualdez’s younger brother, Rep. Martin Romualdez, who is seeking reelection, filed his COC on Tuesday. Cousin Mayor Alfred Romualdez and wife Cristina filed their COCs on Thursday. The couple are seeking reelection.

In Leyte’s 4th district, the Codillas, a dominant political family, will go against the Torres-Gomez family.

Businessman Edward Codilla filed his COC for Ormoc mayor against actor Richard Gomez.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Codilla will challenge the reelection bid of Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez, Gomez’s wife. Kananga Mayor Elmer Codilla is seeking reelection against Lucy’s brother, Manuel Vicente Torres.

In Southern Leyte, Gov. Damian Mercado is running against Marisa Lerias and St. Bernard Mayor Rico Rentusa for the lone congressional seat.

Nestor Burgos Jr., Carla Gomez, Jhunnex Napallacan, Joey A. Gabieta, Jani Arnaiz, Elvie Roman Roa and Rachel Arnaiz