By Felipe V. Celino
ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Three re-electionist mayors in Capiz are assured victory in the May 12, 2025 midterm elections, as they are running unopposed.
Data from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial office showed that Maayon Mayor Raymond “Mon-mon” Malapajo, Dao Mayor Jose Jimbo Barruela, and Dumalag Mayor Maria Concepcion “Khu Khu” Castro have no challengers.
Records indicated that no one filed a certificate of candidacy against Malapajo by the October 2024 deadline.
Malapajo currently serves as president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Capiz chapter.
In Dumalag, Castro’s only challenger, former Sangguniang Bayan member Sonny Felarca, died late last year after being hacked by his younger brother due to personal reasons.
Castro is the daughter of re-electionist Capiz Gov. Fredenil Oto Castro.
In Dao, Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Milagros Salud Villanueva confirmed that mayoral candidate John Emmanuel “Ejay” Griño of Barangay Balucuan withdrew his candidacy before the local Comelec office.
Barruela expressed elation after his lone opponent stepped aside for undisclosed reasons.
Barruela previously ended the long-standing political reign of the Escutin family in Dao during the last elections.
In addition, four re-electionist vice mayors under the One Capiz coalition are also running unopposed:
- Audie Advincula (Panitan)
- Ralph Odrunia (Sapian)
- Dominico Danos (Dao)
- RJ Yap (Ivisan)
All four belong to the One Capiz coalition.
