Like its neighbor Ilocos Sur, Abra’s local politics is a family affair.
Incumbent Abra governor Ma. Jocelyn Valera-Bernos, only on her second term last 2019, filed her candidacy for vice-governor with the rest of her family also seeking top posts Monday.
Bernos was Abra’s lone district representative in the House before she ran and won in the 2016 gubernatorial race in her province.
While the lady governor’s father— Bangued mayor Dominic— is seeking his daughter’s provincial post — and her mother— Bangued vice-mayor Mila Valera— is eyeing his husband’s old top post in the capital town. While the Valera’s grandson by Gov. Bernos — incumbent councilor Joaquin “Kiko” Bernos — is seeking the vice mayoral post in the capital.
While incumbent lawmaker Joseph “JB” Bernos, younger brother of the late La Paz town mayor Ysrael and husband of Gov. Valera-Bernos who was gunned down right in his town plaza in 2009, is seeking his third term as representative.
If “talk” would become true, Rep. Bernos will be challenged by retired Supreme Court Justice Lucas Bersamin, whose brother, former Gov. Eustaquio, is also reportedly seeking back his old post against Mayor Valera. While the former chief magistrate’s niece by his brother, former Rep. Chito Bersamin— former Board Member Chari Bersamin— is said to challenge Gov. Bernos in the vice-gubernatorial race.
Said to do a comeback is former Bangued Mayor Ryan Luna, son of former Rep. Cecille Seares-Luna against vice-mayor Mila Valera in the capital town’s top post. While Councilor “Kiko” Valera is said to be pitted against Mary Anne Bersamin, sister of Board Member Chari.
Another Valera, incumbent Pidigan town mayor Joseph Domino, is seeking another term and might just battle his estranged wife, former town mayor Jannsen Buemio.
