It will be anybody’s ball game in Benguet, as there are five aspirants vying for a seat at the Lower House, six for governor, and three for vice governor posts during the 2022 local and national elections.
The six aspirants for the gubernatorial post are incumbent Gov. Melchor Diclas, former vice governor Nelson Dangwa, Jerome Wakat, Alexander Tadina, and former Beneco director Jerry Marave.
Seeking reelection is Vice Gov. Johnny Waguis, who will be challenged by Board Member Jim Botiwey and newcomer Ericson Felipe.
There are of 34 aspirants vying for seats in districts 1 and 2 in the provincial board.
Candidates for District 1 are Juan Nazarro, Arnulfo Milo, Noel Saguid, Alegre Bungsal, Lady Charmaine Molintas-Likigan, Cosme Galasgas Jr., Alexander Fianza, Florencio Bentrez, Leonardo Lawana, Johannes Amuasen, Johnny Galutan, and Miranda Balog.
District 1, which has four seats, covers Sablan, Tuba, Itogon, Bokod, and Kabayan.
The candidates for District 2 are Sario Copas, Richard Kilaan, Julian Pelitan Jr., Joel Cervantes, Reny Tabdi, Rosendo Salvacio, Mario Ludaes, Manuel Lawana, Ruben Paoad, Susan Atayoc, Marie Rose Kepes, Alexander Castañeda, Roberto Canuto, Neptali Camsol, Joel Tingbaoen Jr., Clifford Malucay, Fernando Balaodan, Sr., Arthur Shontogan, Lee Anthony Kuan, Mario Abuan, Silvestre Aben, Darwin Soriano, and Nardo Cayat.
District 2, which has six seats, covers Buguias, Bakun, Mankayan, Atok, Kapangan, Kibungan,Tublay, and La Trinidad.
First to file his certificate of candidacy for congressman is Itogon Mayor Victorio Palangdan, followed by Thorrsson Keith, caretaker Eric Yap, former governor Crescencio Pacalso, and Samson Paran. – Ofelia Empian
