BACOLOD CITY—At least 14 candidates in Negros Occidental province don’t have to campaign in the 2016 elections because they are already sure winners.
This is because they are running unopposed in their respective posts.
One of them is Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. who is seeking a third term under his party, the United Negros Alliance (UNA).
His running mate, Jeffrey Ferrer has two opponents—reelectionist Vice Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson (Nationalist People’s Coalition or NPC) and Jose Lacson Jr. (independent).
The other unopposed candidates include one congresswoman, two board members, five mayors and five vice mayors.
Jessie Suarez, Commission on Elections provincial supervisor, said these candidates needed only one vote to win.
This early, Marañon was already thanking his fellow Negrenses for the fresh mandate and their continued cooperation in the pursuit of progress for Negros Occidental.
He said being an unopposed candidate carries with it big responsibilities. Quoting Luke 12:48, he said “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required.”
“This is a challenge. This means that we need to do more for our province in the years ahead,” he said.
“This is an opportunity for us to come together and move in unison to pave the way for a more progressive and dynamic economy, and a peaceful province,” he added.
The other unopposed candidates in Negros Occidental were Rep. Mercedes Alvarez of the 6th district as well as the two candidates for board members in the second district—Board Member Salvador Escalante and Cadiz Vice Mayor Samson Mirhan.
Five candidates for mayor in two cities and three towns of Negros Occidental also don’t have opponents.
Seeking reelection are:
Ilog town Mayor Genaro Rafael Alvarez (NPC)
Ilog town Vice Mayor John Paul Alvarez (NPC)
Murcia Mayor Andrew Montelibano (UNA)
Murcia Vice Mayor Victor Gerardo Rojas (UNA)
Kabankalan City Mayor Isidro Zayco (NPC)
Sagay City Mayor Alfredo Marañon III (NUP/UNA)
Narciso Javelosa Jr. (National Unity Party/UNA)
Pulupandan Mayor Miguel Peña (NPC)
Anthony Suatengco Arroyo (NPC).