Local News: In 5th District Special Poll: Election Period Starts Today

　The election period for the June 2 special poll in the 5th District of Negros Occidental to fill the post vacated by the late Congressman Ignacio "Iggy" Arroyo, starts today, April 18, until June 17, 2012.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said that during this period, a gun ban will be implemented in the 5th District which covers Himamaylan City, La Castellana, Moises Padilla, Isabela, and Hinigaran, with a voting population of more than 200,000.

Jimenez said candidates for the post should file their certificates of candidacy (CoC) on May 14 and 15. The campaign period will run from May 17 to May 31.

So far, only Binalbagan Mayor Alejandro Mirasol and his nephew, Board Member Emilio Yulo III, have expressed interest in running for congressman.

Possible candidates like Board Member Melvin Ibañez and Iggy’s sister, Ma. Lourdes Arroyo-Lesaca, had backed out of the race. Iggy’s companion, Grace Ibuna, who was also earlier rumored to be running for the post, is supporting the bid of Mirasol.

Another possible candidate, former Board Member Enrique Montilla, has not made a statement whether he is running for the post or not.

Mirasol was endorsed by the United Negros Alliance (UNA), the biggest coalition of major political parties in Negros Occidental. He was also endorsed by the Liberal Party as he was the first mayor in this province to have declared publicly his support for President Benigno Aquino III in the 2010 elections.

Of the five mayors in the 5th district, four are supporting the bid of Mirasol. They are Hinigaran Mayor Hermilo Aguilar, Moises Padilla Mayor Francisco Nazareno, Isabela Mayor Francis Malabor, and La Castellana Mayor Alberto Nicor.

Himamaylan City Mayor Agustin Ernesto Bascon, an UNA member, pledged his support to Yulo, a cousin of his wife, saying "family is more important than politics."

Meanwhile, also prohibited during the election period is the transfer or detail of civil servants and public school teachers and suspension of elective provincial, city, municipal or barangay officials in the 5th District.

Comelec said the ban on the hiring of new employees and on public works will be effective from May 3 to June 1.

The Comelec added that candidates are allowed to spend only P3 per voter if they have political parties, and P5 per voter if running as independents.*(DBDangcalan)