Politics in Negros Occidental remains a family affair until now, as indicated by the Certificates of Candidacy submitted by aspiring politicians for the 2025 midterm elections.
In the case of La Castellana Mayor Amelia Rhummyla Nicor Mangilimutan, she disputed claims that a political dynasty exists by stressing that “we are in the position, because of elections.”
Aside from Mangilimutan, her father, Alberto Nicor, and two brothers, Anejo and Alberto III, are presently serving as vice mayor and councilors, respectively, of La Castellana.
Mangilimutan and her brother, Anejo, who are switching positions, are set to file their COCs on October 8, for the vice mayor and mayor posts, respectively, while her son, Ronnie, will also be running for councilor in La Castellana.
“We are here because of the trust and confidence of the people of La Castellana. It really depends on them, if they will choose our family,” said the lady mayor, stressing that her father has been a public servant for 50 years, serving in the barangay, until he became a town official, with her mother assisting him.
Moises Padilla Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia Yulo also filed her COC on Saturday, for her second term as the town mayor, with husband, Felix Mathias as her running mate.
Her former running mate, Vice Mayor Ian Villaflor, is challenging her in the town mayoral race.
Yulo claims that her husband was endorsed by 14 of the 15 barangay captains, and almost all kagawads of Moises Padilla.
An ambush survivor shortly before the May 2019 elections, Yulo said she also approved the endorsement of her husband as her running mate in the 2025 elections, because of loyalty and his good relationship and strong ties with members of the municipal council, as well as barangay officials, which makes her work easier.
As to claims of a political dynasty in Moises Padilla, Yulo denied it, stressing that they are being elected by the people.
It depends on the people, if they want us. That is why there is an election, she stressed.
The brother of Yulo, Councilor Vincent Garcia, is also seeking reelection as a member of the Moises Padilla Sangguniang Bayan.
The proposed anti-political dynasty bill, authored by Senator Robin Padilla, is pending deliberations at the Senate.
Representative Emilio Bernardino Yulo (5th district, Negros Occidental), who endorsed the Yulo couple for the 2025 elections, said on the proposed anti-political dynasty bill that he will leave it up the people to decide.
In the 5th district of Negros Occidental, Hinigaran Mayor Nadie Arceo and his wife, Vice Mayor Grace Arceo, also intend to swap positions in next year’s polls.
Another husband and wife policial tandem also includes the Binalbagan couple of Mayor Alejandro Mirasol and Vice Mayor Mary Ann Mirasol.
In Isabela, the mother and son tandem of Mayor Irene Montilla and Vice Mayor Juan Miguel, respectively, are seeking reelection.
Siblings Mayor Gina Montilla Lizares and her brother, Vice Mayor Oscar Montilla, on October 3 filed their COCs for their third and final term as mayor and vice mayor of Sipalay City, respectively.
It is the same in Cauayan, where Mayor John Rey Tabujara and his sister, Vice Mayor Ana Liza Soriano, are also seeking reelection, while the vice mayoral candidate of Ilog town is John Paulo Alvarez, son of incumbent and reelectionist Mayor John Paul Alvarez.
Incumbent Rep. Mercedes Alvarez, younger sister of Mayor Alvarez, has also filed her COC for her second term as congresswoman of the 6th district of Negros, and her nephew, Ralph, is a aspiring for a board member seat in the district.
Isidro Zayco, who will try to reclaim the mayoral post of Kabankalan, also filed his COC on Saturday, in tandem with a distant relative, incumbent Vice Mayor Migz Zayco. Both are set to challenge the incumbent Mayor, Benjie Miranda, whose wife, Divina, is running as his vice mayor.
Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer is returning as a congressman of the 4th district, replacing his wife, Rep. Juliet Marie Ferrer. He will be challenged by Engr. Lea Delfinado, who filed her COC on Oct. 5, accompanied by her son, Leo Carlo, also a board member aspirant in the district.
Vice Mayor Ramon Torres filed his COC on Oct. 3 for mayor of Bago, in tandem with his son, Board Member Andrew Martin Torres.
Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez filed his COC for congressman of the 3rd district of Negros Occidental on Oct. 6, intending to replace his uncle, Jose Francisco Benitez, who was designated by President Ferdinand Marcos as TESDA secretary. Mayor Javi is also the son of Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez.
Atty. Rowena “Weng” Lopez Lizares filed her COC as mayor of Talisay City, to replace her husband, incumbent Mayor Neil Lizares, while in E.B. Magalona, Matthew Louis Malacon will run for mayor to replace his father, Marvin Malacon, whose final term ends next year.
Rep. Alfredo Marañon III is aiming for his second term as congressman of the 2nd district of Negros Occidental, according to the COC he filed last weekend. He was accompanied by his brother, Sagay City Councilor Arthur Marañon, who filed his COC as a board member, representing the district in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Both are sons of the late Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr.
Mayor Manuel Escalante will be giving up his third term as mayor of Manapla to make way for his daughter, Councilor Mika Escalante, who filed her COC on Oct. 5, for mayor of Manapla.
Councilor Vincent Escalante, the son of former Mayor Patrick Escalante, is the vice mayoral candidate of his uncle, reelectionist Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr.
Councilor Richard Jaojoco filed his COC for mayor of Toboso to replace his wife, incumbent Mayor Madonna Jaojoco.
In the town of Don Salvador Benedicto, Vice Mayor Nehemiah Joe dela Cruz will run for the town mayoral position, as his elder brother, incumbent Mayor Marxlen dela Cruz, is aspiring for the board member seat of the 1st district of Negros Occidental, having filed his COC on Oct. 6.
Their parents, Nehemias and Cynthia, both served as mayors of Don Salvador Benedicto. (Gilbert Bayoran via The Visayan Daily Star)