Old, new faces vie for Ilocos Regions 2, 3 political posts

ILOCOS AND CAGAYAN VALLEY local bets rushed to the offices of the Commission on Elections nationwide on Wednesday, the last day of filing of certificates of candidacy for the May 2019 elections.

                In Ilocos Norte, a "David versus Goliath" battle brewed. Former barangay captain Jesus Arimbuyotan filed his COC for governor to challenge a formidable opponent: outgoing 2nd district congresswoman Imelda Marcos, who also filed on Wednesday.

A similar thread also emerged in neighboring Ilocos Sur, where Zuriel and Annika Zaragozawill run against Ryan Luis and Jerry Singson (who filed on Tuesday) for the province's two top posts.

Ex-governor and incumbent Narvacan councilor Luis "Chavit" Singson will be running for mayor.

Pablito Sanidad will be his vice mayor, a throwback to their 1971 provincial polls team-up, this time with an aim to topple the Zaragozas in Narvacan.

Meanwhile, in Isabela, Governor Faustino Dy III seeks to become vice governor, with 1st District Representative Rodolfo Albano III looking to take Dy's place at the helm of provincial hall. Dy's son Inno filed his COC for congressman of the newly-created 6th District.

In Ilocos Sur, 2nd District Rep. Eric Singson is running for reelection.

In Isabela, Vice Gov. Antonio Albano is running for congressman, 1st district.

Former legislator and ex-agrarian reform secretary Heherson Alvarez – is also running for congressman, 4th district.

In La Union, former congressman Thomas Dumpit is running for congressman, 2nd district.

In Nueva Ecija, for 1st district congresswoman is Estrellita Suansing  who is running for reelection.

In Pangasinan Transportation undersecretary Thomas Orbos is running for congressman, 1st district. For 3rd district congresswoman is Rose Marie Arenas who is running for reelection.

Also, 5th District Rep. Amado Espino Jr. is running for reelection. Binalonan Mayor Ramon Guico III is running for congressman, 5th district.

Tayug Mayor Tyrone Agabas, husband of congresswoman Marlyn Primicias Agabas is running for congressman, 6th district.

In San Fernando City, Pampanga, Mayor Hermenegildo Gualberto – running for reelection