By Edalyn B. Acta & Arjay Allado
According to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the start of the local campaign period in Capiz was generally peaceful.
“There were no reported untoward incidents,” said Comelec Provincial Supervisor Atty. Salud Milagros Villanueva.
During its Oplan Baklas campaign that coincided with the March 28 kick-off, Comelec observed that there were fewer violations of campaign materials in improper locations.
“Medyo aware na ang mga candidate kag ila supporters kung diin pwede makapaskil sang ila campaign materials (Our candidates and their supporters are somewhat aware where they can put their campaign materials),” Villanueva told The Capiz Times in an interview.
As for the campaigning itself, the alliance known as One Capiz had a big kick-off last March 28 with a mass at the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral, a caravan and a rally.
The provincial candidates were led by Governor Fredenil “Oto” Castro and Vice Governor James “Mitang” Magbanua, who are both running for reelection.
They were also joined by reelectionists Roxas City Mayor Ronnie Dadivas and Vice Mayor Teresa “Inday” Almalbis with Paolo Roxas, who is running for the congressional seat of Capiz 1st District. Former senator and cabinet secretary Mar Roxas, Paolo’s father, was also in full force to campaign for One Capiz.
Pinuno Party-list Congressman and congressional candidate Howard Guintu also led his allies in the start of their campaign. This included former governor and congressman Antonio “Tony” del Rosario, who is seeking to regain the mayoralty seat of Roxas City and his son Provincial Board Member Jose Fulgencio “Pepe” del Rosario, who is seeking reelection.
Former governor Esteban Evan “Nonoy” Contreras also launched his campaign in an attempt to regain the gubernatorial post in his hometown of Pontevedra. He was joined by his father, former governor and mayoralty candidate Esteban Evan “Dodoy” Contreras Sr. as well as candidates for municipal council of Team Bangon. Former governor Jose “Ting” Borda is backing the team of Contreras.
Former governor and incumbent Mayor Vicente “Vic” Bermejo of the Municipality of Panay also kicked-off his campaign for reelection.
In the Municipality of President Roxas, incumbent Mayor Receliste “Tanoy” Escolin led the campaign of Team Umwad. The group aims for a 10-zero sweep in the elections.
In Dumarao, the father-daughter tandem of incumbent Mayor Matt Hachuela and vice mayoralty candidate Gley Hachuela had their motorcade with their lineup also.
