(right) and his running mate Robin Tagle as they file their certificates of candidacy (COC) on Wednesday (October 17, 2018). (Photo by Ernie Esconde)
ABUCAY, Bataan — The 82-year-old mayor of this town is running unopposed in his reelection bod after no other candidate filed a certificate of candidacy (CoC) on Wednesday, the last day filing.
Incumbent Mayor Liberato “Pambato” Santiago filed his COC minutes before the 5 p.m. deadline. Vice mayoralty candidate Robin Tagle, 37, and the eight-man Sangguniang Bayan slate joined Santiago.
Governor Albert Garcia came to show his support as Santiago’s group is running under the National Unity Party (NUP), which is headed by the governor.
Santiago was undefeated mayor for three terms. After completing the nine-year term, his wife, Ana, replaced him and likewise finished the three-term limit.
Santiago, a successful businessman in real estate and freight forwarding, is now in his second comeback term.
Tagle was former vice-mayor of this town and was about to run for mayor this May 2019 elections. He, however, decided not to run against Santiago.
Also unopposed are Mayors Efren Pascual Jr. of Orani, Francis Garcia of Balanga City and Carlos Pizarro, Jr. of Pilar. (Ernie Esconde/PNA)
