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General Santos Vice Mayor Rosalita Nuñez files COC, putting an end to speculations of a political comeback by former mayor Ronnel Rivera
GENERAL SANTOS, Philippines – General Santos City will see an all-women, three-cornered contest in next year’s elections, featuring a political veteran, a reelectionist, and a political neophyte vying for the city’s mayoral post.
The scenario took shape as General Santos Vice Mayor Rosalita Nuñez filed her certificate of candidacy (COC) on Monday, October 7, putting an end to speculations of a political comeback by former mayor Ronnel Rivera.
Nuñez, a seasoned politician, is challenging the reelection bid of Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao, sister-in-law of former senator and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.
Joining the mayoral race is Blaan leader Fraidelyn Samal Dani, a newcomer in local politics.
In a first for General Santos’ political history, a female indigenous Blaan will be competing for the mayoral post. Dani said she carries with her the endorsement of the council of elders from 16 indigenous Blaan clans in the area.
Days before filing her COC, Nuñez was expected to be the running mate of Rivera, who had earlier signaled his intention to challenge Lorelie’s leadership.
However, on Sunday, October 6, after emerging from a meeting with his party, Rivera announced that his partymates had endorsed Nuñez as their mayoral candidate.
He said Nuñez has the necessary experience to challenge Mayor Pacquiao, having previously served as mayor and city councilor.
“With her experience and her grasp of what’s going on in the city, Nunez is best fit for the mayoralty post,” Rivera said. He also announced that he will be the campaign manager for their party, the RCR Initiatives (RCRI).
Nuñez’s running mate, last-term city councilor and lawyer Jose Edmar Yumang, also filed his COC on Monday along with their bets for city council seats.
RCRI Initiatives has fielded former congresswoman Shirlyn Banas-Nograles for the city’s lone congressional district, challenging Representative Tonton Acharon.
“Well, I think ang RCRi, we have lots of candidates within the party and equally capable in leading the city,” Rivera added.
Pacquiao and her slate, on the other hand, filed their COCs over the weekend. Joining them was her nephew, Michael Stephen Pacquiao, who is making his first foray into politics.
The young Pacquiao is the second eldest of the five children of the former senator and his wife, Jinky.
The former senator and Jinky accompanied their son to the Comelec office on Saturday “to give moral support to our son.” – Rappler.com
