Article by:
Roel Amazona and Lizbeth Ann Abella
TACLOBAN CITY – Former Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) on Monday to vie for a congressional post in Leyte.
Relatives and supporters accompanied Larrazabal as he went to the Comelec provincial office in this city Monday afternoon.
He filed three certificates of nomination and acceptance (CONA) under the People’s Reform Party, National People’s Coalition, and Promdi.
Earlier, his name was among those considered as senatorial candidate by presidential aspirant Senator Panfilo Lacson.
Asked what he can offer once elected as district representative, Larrazabal said among the bills that he will file is the amendment of the Omnibus Election Code and some bills applicable in the local setting.
“As district representative, this will allow me to address issues in the local but also tackle national issues,” Larrazabal said.
He will be running against Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez, who already announced his bid to become Leyte’s 4th district representative. The actor-turned-mayor is expected to soon file his COC.
Leyte’s 4th district is currently represented in the House of Representatives by Gomez’s wife, Lucy Torres-Gomez. The couple will attempt to swap posts next year.
“Everybody has a chance, and that is the beauty of the election. When you run, you offer people the opportunity for having change. I offer myself as an option for voters in the fourth district of Leyte, showing them what I can do to make things better for themselves and their loved ones,” Larrazabal said.
Larrazabal was Comelec commissioner from 2009-2011. He also served as Comelec-Bulacan provincial supervisor in 2004 and was promoted as regional director of the poll body in Bicol region and Eastern Visayas.
After retiring in 2011, he joined the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) as vice chairman for external affairs.
Larrazabal is the third candidate who formalized their congressional bid in Leyte province.
On October 1, incumbents Lolita Javier (2nd district) and Vicente Veloso III (3rd district) filed their COCs. (PNA)
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