22 Iloilo bets get endorsement from militant groups
Militant party-list groups yesterday announced their support for 22 candidates running for various posts in the May 14 elections.
The candidates belong to both the administration and opposition parties were formally endorsed in an assembly led by Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo at the Residence Hotel.
Aside from Bayan Muna, the candidates got the support of Anakpawis, Gabriela and Kabataan Party-list who have consistently topped surveys on voters" preference for the party-list groups.
Bayan Muna-Iloilo spokesperson Winifredo Dubliso said the candidates were endorsed based on their stand on issues like human rights, wage, environment, extra-judicial killings and abductions, housing and land reform. They were also chosen based on their track record of supporting and helping the party-list groups in their advocacies and their winnability in the elections.
Topping the list is Iloilo Gov. Niel Tupas Sr. who is running for his third and last term against Vice Gov. Roberto Armada.
The groups also endorsed the governor"s son Niel "Jun-Jun" Tupas Jr. who is running for representative of Iloilo"s 5th District.
For the 1st District, the party-list groups gave their support to Simplicio Carreon who is running for councilor in Oton.
The candidates who were endorsed in the 2nd District include Adolfo Jaen II who is running for provincial board member; candidates for councilor in Pavia Otoniel "Bing" Gonzaga, Precy Trimañez and Shiela Geroche-Hismaña, and Mary Grayz Lobaton who is running for councilor in Zarraga town.
In the 3rd District, those endorsed were Joseph Anthony Lutero (for provincial board member) and Noel Alerta for councilor of Janiuay town. Also endorsed were Lambunao candidates Pancho Cathedral (for vice mayor) and Cheche Cathedral (for councilor).
Ex-officio provincial board member Lilia Gonzales got the groups" support as councilor of Pototan town.
In the 4th District, the party-list groups endorsed Ronaldo "Onal" Golez and Hernan Biron Jr. who is running for mayor and vice mayor, respectively, of Dumangas town. In the same municipality, candidates for councilor that were endorsed include Benny Benedicto, Nelson Deles and Serafin Deduro.
In the 5th District, the party-list groups endorsed Barotac Viejo Mayor Raul Tupas (running unopposed) and Estancia re-electionist councilor Wilson "Boy" Balingit.
Governor Tupas" son Nielex was also endorsed for Iloilo City councilor.