A late evening decision to replace his running mate delayed Talisay City Mayor Johnny delos Reyes and his lineup from filing their certificates of candidacy at the Talisay City office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday morning.
The Liberal Party (LP) Talisay City lineup headed by delos Reyes chose to field Councilor Dennis Basillote as its vice mayoral candidate to replace City Legal Officer Alfredo Sipalay.
Basillote filed his COC without a political party because he has no formal nomination from the Liberal Party.
“We received his certificate of candidacy but he has until 5 p.m. on Friday (today) to submit his CONA. If not, he will end up as an independent candidate,” Talisay City Election Officer Gallardo Escobar said.
Mayor Delos Reyes first asked Councilor Val Ylanan to run as his vice mayor but he declined.
The offer was then made to Basilote. Both councilors were hesitant to accept.
“They were the first choices because they are senior councilors, have loyal followers, established names. So I accepted the nomination for the sake of the party,” Sipalay said.
Sipalay said he was relieved that Basillote finally agreed to run for vice mayor on Wednesday.
“Basillote has the experience, so the group decided last night,” Sipalay said.
LP candidate for Talisay City Council: Sipalay, Mondrah Yu, Valdriano Ylanan, Catalino Monterde Jr., Clifford delos Reyes, Ma. Ludina Ceniza, Teodoro Belleza, Rex Anthony Basillote, Bernard Balorio and Cesar Baba.
Delos Reyes is up against a comeback bid of Eduardo Gullas, former Talisay mayor and congressman. He filed his candidacy along with his Alayon Party last Tuesday.