By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – Former Silay City Mayor Mark Golez is staging a comeback and is set to challenge Mayor Joedith Gallego, who defeated him in the 2022 mayoral race.
Golez filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for mayor on Monday, October 7, 2024, for the 2025 midterm elections, alongside his vice mayoral candidate, Ryan Gamboa, and ten candidates for the city council.
Gallego, who is seeking re-election, is expected to file his COC along with his slate today, October 8, 2024.
Victorias City Mayor Javi Benitez, who is running for 3rd District Representative, which includes Silay City, attended to support Golez’s slate.
Golez admitted he thought his political career was over after losing to Gallego, but during a recent convention held by their group, he was chosen as the mayoral candidate for 2025.
“I was overwhelmed by the show of support from Mayor Benitez and our supporters who flocked to the Comelec office,” Golez said.
He also stated that 12 out of the 16 barangay captains in Silay City are backing his candidacy.
Meanwhile, at the provincial capitol’s social hall, 5th District Provincial Board Member Dra. Rita Gatuslao filed her COC on Monday, October 7, 2024, seeking re-election for a third term. Atty. Bambi Depasucat also filed his COC for Provincial Board Member (3rd District, Negros Occidental).
Rosemarie Gulmatico Jaro Dreyfus, from Silay City, filed her COC for vice governor.
