With only a month left before the filing of certificates of candidacy, several politicians in Cavite seem to be already making their intentions to vie for local seats in the 2022 general elections publicly known.
Political posters and campaign materials have been sprouting on the streets over the past few weeks which give people a hint of whose names they can expect to see on the ballot.
In Cavite City, Liga ng mga Barangay Federation President Apple Paredes is supposedly expected to try to follow the footsteps of his father, incumbent Mayor Bernardo Paredes. Incumbent Vice Mayor Denver Chua will also reportedly gun for the city’s top post.
Noveleta Mayor Dino Chua will allegedly seek his third and final term in office. Former mayor Boy Alvarez is also supposedly expected to fight him for the mayoralty race in the smallest town in the province.
In Kawit, it could be a mayoral race between two great grandsons of the country’s first president, General Emilio Aguinaldo — Mayor Angelo Aguinaldo versus Cavite 1st District Representative Boy Blue Abaya.
Now that Abaya has reached his limit of three terms of office, his brother and former Kawit vice mayor Dr. Paul Aguinaldo Abaya is rumored to be eyeing his position. Chua’s brother Cavite 1st District Board Member Davey Chua is expected to be his contender.
Meanwhile, Rosario Mayor Voltaire Ricafrente is reportedly seeking for reelection and could face a challenge from Vice Mayor Mao Luna.
Earlier in May, Kawit Mayor Aguinaldo, Noveleta Mayor Chua, Rosario Mayor Ricafrente and Cavite City Vice Mayor Chua have joined the political party Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD).
READ: 2 alkalde sa Cavite nanumpa bilang bagong miyembro ng partidong LAKAS
Governor Jonvic Remulla’s political party Partido Magdalo is reportedly recruiting their rivals. The governor, on the other hand, earlier announced that he is seeking for reelection as he dispelled rumors of his supposed plan to run for higher office.
Remulla defeated his longtime political rival Erineo “Ayong” Maliksi in the 2019 midterm elections. Maliksi died February this year.
READ: Ex-Cavite governor ‘Ayong’ passes away
Political parties are set to reveal the lineups of their candidates in September while the filing of certificates of candidacy will be held on the first week of October.
The Comelec expects 60 million registered voters for the May 2022 elections. Voter registration is only until September 30, 2021.
