Durano against Durano and other family feuds

CEBU CITY, Philippines–While many political clans have closed ranks to defeat their rivals in the May 13 elections, some are fighting against their own in the Visayas.

In Danao City in Cebu, for instance, it’s Durano versus Durano.

Mayor Ramon “Boy” Durano Jr. is seeking re-election with the One Cebu party against his brother, incumbent Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III of the ruling Liberal Party (LP).

Boy’s running mate is his brother and former mayor, Jesus “Don”  Durano, who will be contesting the vice mayoral post against his nephew and outgoing  Rep. Ramon “Red” Durano VI of Cebu’s fifth district. Red is a son of Nito.

“It’s very difficult on my part especially that my opponent is my own uncle. But in politics, we have different interests. I stand on a principle, and it’s sad to note that we differ on the principle of public service,” Red said.

Red, 44, started his political career in 2005 when he won in a special election to replace his brother, then Rep. Joseph “Ace” Durano, who was appointed tourism secretary by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. This time, Ace is running as an LP candidate for congressman to replace Red.

Boy and Nito are former allies who switched positions in the 2010 elections when Boy ran for mayor and Nito, for vice mayor. But the brothers had a falling out over some local policies, a feud which has resulted in cases being filed in the Office of the Ombudsman.

Red said his camp would try to avoid personal issues during the campaign period, but he acknowledged that even his relations with his cousins had been affected by the squabble.

He said he still wished the clan members would unite and meet in one family gathering.

In Capiz, former Provincial Board Member Gilbert Ardivilla is contesting the re-election bid of his estranged wife, Provincial Board Member Ma. Emile Ardivilla of the second district.

Gilbert belongs to the National Unity Party (NUP), which is allied with the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) of Vice President Jejomar Binay.  Emile is an independent candidate. Gilbert served as a provincial board member for nine years until 2010 when Emile ran for his post.

“I respect her right [to seek] re-election,” Gilbert said, adding that it is a matter of principle why his wife is running for a second term.

In Ivisan town in Capiz, Mayor Felipe Neri Yap is seeking a third term against his first cousin, Rey Jeros Pisueña. Yap belongs to the NUP while Pisueña is from the LP.

Pisueña, a civil engineer and neophyte politician, said he was presenting himself as an “alternative”  for his town mates.

In Altavas town in Aklan, the mayoral race is again a battle between the Refols.

Re-electionist Mayor Denny “Bulldog” Refol (LP) is up against his sister-in-law, Maria May Refol (Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino), who had served as mayor for three terms. Denny defeated his estranged wife, Kathyryne, when she sought re-election in 2010.

The Refols have been the dominant political family in Altavas since the 1950s. The patriarch, Julio Refol Sr., won the mayoral seat and never lost in the elections for 26 years. Maria May Refol succeeded him.

In Libacao town in Aklan, Bobby Clyde Legaspi (LP) is running for mayor against his niece, Reena Marie Legaspi (independent), and another candidate.

In Iloilo, estranged cousins former Vice Gov. Rolex Suplico (UNA) and former Mayor Raul Tupas (LP) of Barotac Viejo town are both aspiring to become vice governor.

In Guimaras, the battle is between the camps of Gov. Felipe Nava (UNA) and his elder brother, Rep. Joaquin Carlos Rahman Nava (LP). The estranged siblings are both seeking re-election.

But in Sara town in Iloilo, the family feud may only be in paper.

Re-electionist Mayor Neptali Salcedo (UNA) is running against his wife, former mayor Ermelita Salcedo (Nacionalista Party), and another candidate.

The couple’s son, Neptali Jr., is seeking re-election for vice mayor and is his father’s running mate.

Actually, husband and wife are in good terms but had run against each other in two elections with opposing parties. One of them withdrew before the elections.