ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews / 26 March) – Heavy rains early morning of Friday delayed the kick-off activities of candidates for Day 1 of the 45-day campaign for the local elections but four political parties eventually managed to do so in different styles, conscious of the possible infection and spread of COVID-19 yet not wanting to waste a day to openly convince voters they are the right choice.
Outgoing Mayor Maria Isabelle ‘Beng’ Climaco, who is eyeing to return to Congress as Representative of the 1st district, said Team Climaco began its campaign with a Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and lighting of candles at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Pillar. They then proceeded to City Hall.
Team Climaco poses in front of City Hall before heading inside to campaign with employees. Photo courtesy of Hermie Ventura.
Outgoing District 1 Congressman Cesar ‘Jawo’ Jimenez, who is running for mayor, said he and other members of Team Climaco were at City Hall early Friday morning. Drum beaters and a handful of dancers attracted a curious crowd that gathered in front of the centuries-old City Hall.
With Jimenez were Councilor and District 2 congressional aspirant Kim Elago, Councilor and Vice-mayor aspirant Josephine Pareja, District 1 councilor-aspirants Al Alhabshi, Eli Los Angeles, Hian Enriquez, Selina Espiritusanto, Joel Esteban, Mark Sta. Teresa, and reelectionist Councilor King Omaga, and District 2 councilor-aspirants Philip Abuy, Tiffany Cabanlit, Sonnyboy Jailani, Jungjung Macrohon, Percival Miravite, James Siason, and former councilors Elong Natividad and Eddie Saavedra.
Team Colorao mayoral bet Celso Lobregat hands fliers to an employee of Zamboanga City Hall on the first morning of the campaign period on Friday, March 25, 2022. Photo courtesy of Team Colorao.
Aside from Team Climaco, Team Colorao was also at City Hall, visiting offices. Team Colorao headed by former Congressman Celso Lobregat who is seeking a return as mayor, came to City Hall on a motorcade with drum beaters and music and cheering by followers. Other Team Colorao candidates paraded with him.
With Lobregat in his party are Councilor and Vice Mayoral aspirant Benjamin Guingona IV, Councilor and District 1 Congressional aspirant Khymer Adan Olaso, Councilor and Congressional aspirant Jerry Perez, and their councilor-aspirants for District 1 Rodel Agbulos, Boday Cabato, Lyn dela Peña, Pilarica Ledesma, Shaun Alavar, Fred Atilano, and Vino Guingona, and reelectionist Councilor VeePee Elago, as well as for District 2 Abdulwakil Kasim, Dan Vicente, RF Mariano, and Bong Simbajon, and reelectionists Councilors Litlit Macrohon, Gerky Valesco, Lilibeth Nuño, and Cary Pioc.
Team Colorao held its Proclamation Rally in the evening at barangay Putik, beside Hyundai.
Meanwhile, UNA mayoral candidate Vice Mayor Rommel Agan started his campaign with a small group in his home village of Tetuan, while his teammate and UNA vice-mayoral bet Councilor Elbert ‘Bong’ Atilano was with another small group meeting in Ayala, his home village.
UNA had its motorcade on Thursday afternoon, March 24.
Councilor Jimmy Villaflores said they “went around Pasonanca, Sta. Maria, Tetuan, downtown Zamboanga, and ended at the Integrated Bus Terminal in Barangay Divisoria.”
Team AA seeks blessings from Fr. Filmore Calibo of Our Lady of the Pillar Shrine at Fort Pilar in Zamboanga City on Friday, March 25, 2022. Photo courtesy of Team Agan-Atilano.
UNA has no national candidate for president but most local candidates support the candidacy of Sen. Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Pacquiao for President, and former Vice-President Jejomar Binay for Senator.
“Our group is committed to running a positive campaign. We will use a campaign method that meaningfully engages citizens in the political issues facing the community. We will treat fellow candidates with dignity and respect,” Agan emphasized during the mini caravan.
UNA’s council aspirants are Nursoud Abing, Sai Cortez Cagang, Pepi Climaco, Jerson Monteverde for District 1, and Vita Agan, Ibno Turabin, and reelectionist Councilors Jihan Edding and Jimmy Villaflores.
Team Dalipe had an early morning motorcade with its councilor aspirants along the national highway in District 2, but held its “Team Dalipe Grand Rally” on March 25 at 5:30 PM at Sebastian Property in Camino Nuevo, one of the cities’ highly populated communities.
Team Dalipe, which supports the Marcos-Duterte Tandem, kicked off its campaign with a concert with performers Armando Cruz, PSYKA, Pokémon, Extreme Force Zamboanga, Groove Flavas, and RoEdz Band.
Congressman Mannix Dalipe presents brother John as Team Dalipe’s mayoral bet in its evening rally on March 25, 2022. Photo courtesy of Hermie Ventura.
Team Dalipe is pushing for reelectionist District 2 Congressman Manuel Jose ‘Mannix’ Dalipe, his brother John who is running for mayor, former councilor Melchor ‘Mel’ Sadain for vice-mayor, and lawyer Wendell Sotto for Representative of the first congressional district.
Councilor aspirants in this ticket are Romy Bagongon, Hardy Baytown, Mike Cinco, Rey Modillas, Marissa Aizon, Banjung Aliangan, Walmart Atilano, and Tutu Candido for District 1; and Joey Papaya, Marlon Torres, Al Urao, Nico Wee, Attang Mohammad-Nur, Richard Pajarito, Hecky Perez, and Joel Sanson.
Ismail Karim, an independent candidate for mayor, launched his campaign by talking to friends and relatives for support on May 9. (Frencie Carreon / MindaNews)
