Ex-reporters gather more public support, acceptance
Estante
Former members of the media who gave up news writing and news reporting to become newsmakers themselves are among the contenders in the forthcoming May 14th elections.
With 20 days to go, the Iloilo media community are 19 members-less with the reelection bids in the likes of City Councilor Ely Estante, former chief of reporters of Bombo Radyo Iloilo and City Councilor Arman Parcon also formerly with Bombo Radyo Iloilo, now administration candidates. Also a former Bombo man, lawyer Joshua Alim lodged his campaign to unseat reelectionist City Mayor Jerry Treñas. Added in the city's slate is popular lawyer Eldrid "Drid" Antiquera whose voice was once heard in Radyo ng Bayan.
Guadalupe
Estante and Parcon has since generated easy acceptance of the city residents most of whom got both in public office due to years spent in public service.
In Guimaras, reporter Lino Galea of Radio Mindanao Network has easily gained acceptance in his hometown San Lorenzo. Folks here reached by The News Today (TNT) are quick with their "thumbs-up" when asked for reaction on Galea's candidacy who also spent some time with rival network, Bombo Radyo Iloilo.
Yet it is in the Province of Iloilo where most of the ex-reporters will now be seen and heard.
With over a decade in broadcast and public service, former Bombo Radyo morning anchorman and assistant station manager Manny Gallar will seek reelection as Third District Board Member. His first term is best remembered by his persistent fight against perceived graft and corruption in the Capitol. He was instrumental in bringing the House Committee on Good Government here following his expose on massive irregularities in the multi-billion construction of the new Iloilo Airport.
Los Bañes
In the First District, Oton will now have a chance to vote for Jafet Salinas also formerly with Bombo Radyo. "Bombo Jafet" will try his luck as administration's bet for town vice mayor.
In Tigbauan, media personalities Jessie "Ayos" Terre whose most recent stint was with tri-weekly News Express is running for councilor alongside comebacking colleague, Rexfel Trivilegio of Aksyon Radyo's "Dalangpan" program.
In Igbaras, respected broadcast-journalist Francisco "Aksyon Iko" Esteves-Elbanbuena gave up some 15 years of media work to serve his hometown. He is running as town councilor under the administration party.
In San Miguel, a repeat is expected in Angelo "Bombo Angelo" Raquit Jr. as he once again call for support in his reelection bid as town councilor.
In Zarraga, Aksyon Radyo's Jose Erwin Guadalupe also gave up his media stint and filed his candidacy as town councilor under the ruling Lakas party.
Sta. Barbara could have a new mayor in Larry Deatras, formerly of Bombo Radyo while it would be another take for Dennis "Bombo Dennis" Octaviano in the town council.
In the Third District, Lambunao has a new addition in the town's favorite 'son', Norlene "Bombo Norlene" Losbanes who is running for town councilor.
It would also be another term as desired for broadcaster Francisco "Soc" Abonado in Janiuay who is running for councilor under the Lakas-CMD.
In the Fourth District, yet another veteran in the field of broadcasting and public service will give government service a try as Alberto "Bombo Bert" Delicana-Celeste 'retired' from media work. "Nene Bert" to pals, he is one strong candidate reason why the administration party wooed him to be part of Team Unity here. "Bombo Bert's" years in the media was marked by his dedication and extreme honesty in his dealings.
Passi City also have former Bombo personality Aura Landar-Layese who seeks reelection as city councilor.
And in the Fifth District comes Ricky "Paurok" Lamigo of GMA's DYSI running for councilor in his hometown Balasan.
Recent independent surveys done showed a significant lead for the ex-reporters particularly in name recall. Yet as analysts similarly shared, the first term can be credited to being a media personality but reelection bids would have to be based on performance.