Thirty election aspirants submitted their certificates of candidacy (COCs) for municipal and city mayor in several local government units in Negros Occidental for the 2025 midterm elections.

Among those who filed, 10 are re-electionists, including Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego, Murcia Mayor Gerry Rojas, Sipalay City Mayor Maria Gina Lizares, Ilog Mayor John Paul Alvarez, Hinoba-an Mayor Daph Anthony Reliquias, Calatrava Mayor Marilyn Era, Escalante City Mayor Beboy Yap, Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., Moises Padilla Mayor Ella Celestina Yulo, and Candoni Mayor Ray Ruiz.

Six candidates are from the 1st District, three from the 2nd District, eight from the 3rd District, two from the 4th District, four from the 5th District, and seven from the 6th District.

Meanwhile, Mark Golez also filed his COC yesterday, seeking a return as Silay mayor.

Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez is running for congressman in the 3rd District.

Don Salvador Vice Mayor Nehemiah Joe dela Cruz filed his COC for the mayoral post, while Richard Jaojoco seeks to claim the same post in Toboso town.

Meanwhile, candidates for the congressional posts are Joel Bantigue for the 3rd District and Erie Mahinay for the 1st District, while Congresswoman Mercedes Alvarez will seek another term as 6th District representative.

Incumbent Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson will face Paul Octaviano and Ferdenand Diego in the gubernatorial position, while Board Member Jose Benito Alonso remains unchallenged in the vice gubernatorial race./WDJ