21 candidates vying for various positions in Davao del Norte attended the Candidates Forum 2016 held here on Thursday and Friday, April 14-15. (Zea Io Ming C. Capistrano/davaotoday.com)
TAGUM CITY – A total of 21 candidates vying for various positions in Davao del Norte attended the Candidates Forum 2016 held here on Thursday and Friday, April 14-15.
Thirteen candidates vying for the mayoralty and vice mayoralty post in the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos), Panabo City, and Tagum City met during the last day of the forum organized by the Philippine Information Agency Region 11 and the Commission on Elections in Davao del Norte on Friday afternoon.
The candidates for the mayoral post in Igacos who were present during the forum were the first mayor of Samal and brother of the incumbent mayor, Rogelio Antalan, and incumbent Vice Mayor Al David Uy. For the vice mayoral post, incumbent mayor of Igacos, Aniano Antalan and Orly Amit were present.
Meanwhile, all the five candidates for the mayoral post in Panabo City were present including independent candidate Edwin Delfin, incumbent Mayor James Gamao, Franklin Gentiles, Vivencio Jumamil, and Rico Peligro. While only Emeterio Blase, attended the forum. His rival candidate, Janrey Gavina was absent.
Only Tagum City mayoral candidate and incumbent mayor, Allan Rellon was present during the forum. His rival, former Tagum City Mayor Rey Uy was seen at the forum venuem, but did not attend the actual candidates forum. For the vice mayoral post in Tagum, only Rellon’s running mate and incumbent vice mayor, Geterito Gementiza and independent candidate Paulito Suaybaguio were present. City Councilor Oscar Bermudez, who is Uy’s running mate did not also join the forum.
During the first day of the forum, the candidates for the gubernatorial post, incumbent Davao del Norte first district Rep. Anthony Del Rosario and incumbent Vice Governor, Victor Suaybaguio Jr. were present. While only vice governor candidate and Board Member Alan Dujali was present. His rival, former Davao del Norte Provincial Police Office Deputy Police Superintendent Jessie Estrada was reportedly unable to attend because he is sick.
All the five candidates for the first congressional district of Davao del Norte were also present namely: former Representatives Pantaleon Alvarez and Arrel Olaño, Atty. Emmanuel Mahipus, City Councilor Nicandro Suaybaguio, and Richard Dexter Welborn. Antonio Floirendo Jr, who is running unopposed in second district was not present, as well.
Missed opportunity
Efren Elbanbuena, regional director of PIA Region 11 said those who did not attend “did not realize the importance of the event.”
“First, this is a free event. Second, this is covered by the media and was aired live in radio. And third, this is their chance to explain their platforms to voters who attended,” he said.
“Most of those who attended here are the youth voters who have big influence because they can convince their parents who to vote,” he said.
Elbanbuena said the forum was initiated by the PIA region 11 “as part of its support to the public advocacy campaign of the Comelec.”
Atty. Jennifer Ancla, provincial election supervisor said they respect the decision of the candidates who were not able to join.
“Whatever their reasons are, we respect that,” she said. (davaotoday.com)
