24 candidates in Ilocos provinces run unopposed

By John Michael Mugas

LAOAG CITY — At least 24 candidates in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur provinces would be running without an opponent in the 2022 polls, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
    Of the 23 towns and cities in Ilocos Norte, five candidates would be unopposed: Mary Chrislyn Abadilla (Banna), Crescente Garcia (Burgos), Francisco Espiritu Jr. (Dumalneg), Antonio Mariano (Marcos), and Aldrin Garvida (Nueva Era). All of them, except for Espiritu, are currently serving as mayors in the province.
    For the second highest local posts, five would be running unopposed, namely: Denton Lawrence Garvida (Bangui), Erdio Valenzuela (Dingras), Fraincess Kwyn Espiritu (Dumalneg), and Caroline Garvida (Nueva Era).
    Incumbent Mayor Carlito Abadilla II of Banna, who would be seeking the vice mayoral post in next year’s elections, is also running without an opponent.
    In nearby Ilocos Sur province, 14 candidates for vice mayor would be running without challengers in the 2022 polls.