Dayanghirang bares old, new names of possible bets
The position of vice mayor of Davao City made vacant by the sudden resignation of presidential son Paolo “Pulong” Z. Duterte late last year is up for grabs in the coming 2019 mid-term elections, according to Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang.
In one of the topics he discussed during yesterday’s edition of Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM Davao City Annex, the veteran city lawmaker and national chairman of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) told media practitioners local politicians are now considering what elective positions they’ll aspire for since the deadline for filing of certificates of candidacy will be in October, 2018.
Dayanghirang said that among the names being mentioned are Bernard Al-Ag who was appointed vice mayor after Paolo’s resignation, former vice mayor Luis C. Bonguyan, and even Paolo’s wife, January.
He said nothing is definite yet as the leaders of the dominant local political group are still discussing the possibilities.
Another name that has been floated for vice mayor but was not mentioned by Dayanghirang is that of Councilor Ma. Belen “Mabel” S. Acosta of the First District.
He also did not rule out the possibility of him being drafted since he is open to whatever is decided on by the Duterte family and their supporters.
Dayanghirang, however, said he can opt to run for reelection for councilor in the Second District since he is still qualified to run for another one three-year term in that position.
He said two positions for representative will also be open for aspirants. They are the positions of Rep. Karlo Nograles in the First District and Rep. Mylene Garcia-Albano of the Second District.
Former vice mayor Paolo “Polong” Duterte is being convinced by supporters to aspire for congressman (another name for representative) in the First District.
Councilors Diosdado Mahipus and Jimmy Dureza are reportedly interested to run for congressman of the Second District. Earlier, both Mahipus and Dureza ran for the same position but lost to a member of the Garcia family
There are also reports that another member of the Garcia family, possibly former congressman Vincent Garcia, is considering running for the position to be vacated by Rep. Mylene who is now in her third and last term.
On the other hand, the position of representative of the Third District now held by Rep. Alberto T. Ungab will be open to his comebacking brother, former Rep. Isidro “Sid” Ungab, Dayanghirang said. No other name is being floated in the Third District.
Dayanghirang, chair of the City Council committee on finance, ways and means said he is available whether it will be Congress, Vice Mayor or City Councilor seat.
“I told Mayor Sara (Duterte), I will be available for Congress 2nd District, for vice mayor,” Dayanghirang said.
“What I know, it’s Mayor Sara who will be running for mayor,” he said.
“I still have one more term so I can just go back to (Council). I will just help Mayor Sara. Wherever I can help her, I will be there,” he said.
