Zambo ‘political giants’ set to clash in 2019 polls

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The offsprings of so-called local "political giants" are set to clash come 2019 mid-term elections.

This, as first district Rep. Celso Lobregat on Friday declared his intention to seek the mayoralty post in the May 2019 polls.

Lobregat, who is on his second term of office, will try to unseat Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar who is on her second term.

Lobregat is the son of the late Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat, while Salazar is the niece of legendary Mayor Cesar Climaco who defeated the elder Lobregat for the lone seat in the then 1984 Batasan Pambansa.

Salazar’s father, Jose, the younger brother of Cesar and ally of the elder Lobregat, also served as vice mayor of this city.

Celso said he made the decision based on the call of the people urging him to run for mayor following consultations with the different sectors in this city.

“I will accept the call and the people’s clamor. I am running for mayor of Zamboanga City in the 2019 elections,” he said.

He admitted that “it is going to be a tough fight,” claiming his incumbent opponent is backed by government resources.

The camp of Salazar, who will seek reelection, have kept mum over Lobregat’s pronouncement.

Celso said he has picked his elder brother, Jomar, as the candidate for the congressional seat that he is vacating. His candidate for second district representative is former Rep. Lilia Macrohon-Nuño.

Celso's City Council slate consists of incumbent Councilors Rodolfo Lim, Marxander Jaime Cabato and Joselito Macrohon; former City Councilors Luis Biel III and Rogelio Valesco; and Sinunuc Barangay Chairperson Pilarica Ledesma.

The second district council line-up is composed of incumbent City Councilors Benjamin Guingona IV and Lilibeth Macrohon-Nuño; former City Councilor Vincent Paul Elago; Lumayang Barangay Councilor Frederick Atilano, Culianan Barangay Councilor Mark Saavedra, Businessman Richard Mariano and mediaman Marlon Simbajon.

For vice mayor, Celso said he will choose among incumbent and second term Councilor Miguel Alavar III, former city councilor and lawyer Melchor Sadain, and Liga ng mga Barangay president and ex-officio, Councilor Jerry Perez.

Celso said his party is an alliance of the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bansa (PDP-Laban), Nacionalista Party, Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino and the local Adelante Zamboanga Party.

Filing of Certificate of Candidacy is from October 11 to 17. (PNA)