By Ronald Constantino
‘EARLY BIRDS’ – The elections are next year yet, but showbiz names intending or are being urged to run are already being floated around. Let’s call them “early birds.” In Quezon City, the City of Stars, Mayor Herbert Bautista’s third and last term is ending in 2019. Bistek is said to be running for either congressman or senator.
Taking over the mayoral post (in a manner of speaking) is Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, with Councilor Gian Sotto as her running mate. Said to be unbeatable.
Congressman Alfred Vargas is expected to run for re-election. No opponent as of this writing.
The embattled Councilor Roderick Paulate is also a re-electionist. Or is Kuya Dick eyeing a congressional seat?
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MORE SHOWBIZ FIGURES – Aside from Alfred, other showbiz members in the House of Representatives are Vilma Santos-Recto (Batangas), Monsour del Rosario (Makati), Yul Servo (Manila), Lucy Torres-Gomez (Ormoc), Chiqui Roa-Puno (Antipolo), Strike Revilla (Cavite), Sol Aragones (Laguna). Re-electionist all…with the possible exception of Chiqui, who might give way to her husband Robbie.
Incumbent Mayors are Lani Mercado-Revilla (Bacoor), Dan Fernandez (Sta. Rosa), Richard Gomez (Ormoc), Cristina Gonzalez-Romualdez (Tacloban), Guia Gomez ( SanJuan), Jun Ynarez ( Antipolo), Maita Sanchez ( Pagsanjan), Fe Abunda (Borongan).
In San Juan, Vice Mayor Janella Estrada (daughter of former Senator Jinggoy Estrada) is said to be taking over last termer, Guia. Cristina is expected to give way to husband Alfred.
Manila Mayor (and former President) Joseph Estrada Ejercito is running, his third and last term ends next year.
Vice Governor Jolo Revilla (Cavite) is running for re-election. Is ER Ejercito keen on “reclaiming” the gubernatorial post in Laguna?
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‘SENATORIABLES’ – The opposition has invited the fearless Agot Isidro to join its list of so-called “senatoriables.”
How about Dingdong Dantes and Korina Sanchez-Roxas? Seems that Dingdong’s undecided, but Korina’s not interested.
Sen. Grace Poe is topping surveys… by a mile. But is she really taking a rest from politics?
Will half-brothers Sen. JV Ejercito and former Sen. Jinggoy Estrada run next year?
