Valera’s wife, 3 others vie for Abra congressional post

By Myds Supnad

BANGUED, Abra -- Ma. Zita “Ching” Valera, wife of detained former governor Vicsyd Valera and three other candidates will vie for the lone congressional district of Abra in the May elections next year.

Based on their certificates of candidacy filed before the Commission on Elections office here, Ching Valera (Nationalista Party) will challenge reelectionist Rep. Cecille Luna (Lakas-Kampi) whom they accused of stealing their victory last elections.

Vicsyd filed a protest against Luna but this was dismissed by the poll body.

The two other candidates for congress are Mailed Molina, ousted chief of the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army and Joy Bernos, wife of slain Mayor Ysrael Bernos of La Paz town.

In the gubernatorial battle, reelectionist Gov. Takits Bersamin will be challenged by Lizardo Senogo and Gil Valera.

In the mayoral race in Bangued, reelectionist Mayor Dominic Valera will be challenged by Ryan Luna, son of Rep. Luna.

The Lunas and Mayor Valera were once allied in last 2007 election.

For vice gubernatorial battle, it will be one on one between Beth Zayda Alzate and Mayor Rolando Somera of Pilar town.

Local leaders here have earlier signed a peace accord for the holding of a peaceful election.

Ching Valera said she wanted to retake the congressional post to “redeem” the name of her family after her husband Vicsyd was accused of masterminding the brutal killing of Rep. Chito Bersamin.

Vicsyd is now detained at Quezon City jail for double murder charges, a non-bailable offense.
Abrenos said the the congressional battle would be a tough fight between Ching and Rep. Luna since both of them have their own political machinery and large amounts of money.