Many were surprised by the strain in the relationship between La Union Governor Raphaelle Ortega-David and his grandfather, Vice Governor Mario Ortega, during this year’s State of the Province Address.
Thus, in the coming 2025 midterm election, the grandfather and grandson will compete for the governor’s position.
This is following the filing of team Bunggoy as they submitted their Certificate of Candidacy (COC) this morning at the Provincial Election Office in La Union.
“I do not agree with the things that they (Provincial Government) are doing, and I feel that I can do more for them (Elyucanos) because I can say this because I have been there,” said Vice Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega, running for governor on 2025 elections.
His running mate will be Aringay Mayor Eric Sibuma.
“I want to help the governor implement all that is beneficial here in the whole province of La Union. I am with the governor to implement all the programs that we can establish,” said Mayor Eric Sibuma, Vice Governor aspirant.
According to Ortega, they have long discussed as a family his return as governor, but the problem is it has not happened.
“I was already geared up for 2025. All the moves that I made since 2019 were towards 2025. So now, as we approach the election year, I guess whatever commitments I have made haven’t been discussed,” Ortega mentioned.
Although he has some misunderstandings with other family members, he says this does not mean they are falling apart.
“Maybe there are times and instances when we don’t agree on every issue, but I think that’s even healthy because we can exchange ideas and see angles we haven’t noticed. But at the end of the day, we have decided where we will go, and we go all out,” Ortega added.
Their candidate for the First District is Paolo Ortega, while Congressman Dante Garcia will run in the Second District.
“We will see the election results; let the people decide how I work,” says Congressman Dante Garcia, La Union 2nd District Representative.
The group will focus on the sectors of education, agriculture, and health.
**CHARLES NIKKO LIMON