Paoay’s former political allies to fight each other in May 2016 polls

PAOAY, Ilocos Norte – The saying “there are no permanent friends or no permanent enemies, only permanent vested interests” holds true once again in this historic town formally established by founder Don Martin Guiang in the year 1701.

Erstwhile political allies, former Mayor now current municipal administrator Bonifacio “Bobby” Clemente, Jr. and Vice Mayor Jessie Galano have parted ways as they decided to face each other this coming May 2016 election for the top post here.

Another mayoralty candidate, Eisenhower Adaza, is a relative of ex-mayor Clemente.

Clemente’s running mate, is Dr. Eileen Llaguno-Guerrero, who lost to incumbent Mayor Dolores Clemente, wife of the former mayor in the last election.

Galano, however, tapped Waldo Carpio as his running mate. Carpio is the cousin of Clemente. Ironically, Carpio lost to Galano in the 2013 election for the vice mayoralty post.

Clemente expressed optimism that his cousin, Adaza would eventually withdraw from running as Mayor. He recalled that Adaza was his running mate in the 2010 election.

The former mayor was surprised and dismayed by Galano’s decision to run against him at this time in his early political career as he claimed to be his godfather in politics.

Clemente will be running under Nacionalista Party, while Galano is under Kilusang Bagong Lipunan. Adaza is an independent candidate.

Clemente served as Vice Mayor for 9 years and Mayor for also nine years.

Galano served as barangay chairman in Brgy. Nagbacalan, former SB member and served as ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, before he was elected as Vice Mayor of said town. (edg)