By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
Antique Congressman Agapito Antonio “AA” Legarda, currently serving his first term, has announced his bid for reelection in the 2025 midterm elections.
Legarda filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) on Tuesday at Robinsons Place in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique. He was accompanied by his older sister, Senator Loren Legarda.
According to Atty. Wil Arceno, Provincial Election Supervisor of the Commission on Elections-Antique, Legarda is the first candidate to file a COC in the province.
In his reelection bid, the congressman pledged to enhance the province’s disaster response measures.
“We can achieve that by building more evacuation centers and improving drainage and flood control projects. That is already being done, and we will continue in the coming years,” Legarda said, acknowledging that such infrastructure projects are progressing gradually due to “limited” funds.
Senator Loren Legarda praised her brother’s efforts in fostering economic growth in Antique.
She expressed hope that his reelection would continue to bring “harmony, progress, and unity” to the province.
“With Cong. AA’s leadership, we will build on the significant strides we have already made,” Senator Legarda said.
“I have full confidence in his ability to lead with compassion, integrity, accountability, and urgency, ensuring that the needs of our kasimanwa are met efficiently and effectively,” she added.
AA Legarda is set to face incumbent Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao, who has officially declared her candidacy for the congressional seat.
The two ran on the same ticket during the 2022 elections.
Cadiao confirmed to Daily Guardian that she will file her COC on October 7.
Previously, Cadiao stated that she had planned to retire from politics but decided to run for Congress to oppose what she described as Legarda’s “narcissistic and akin to a dictatorship” style of leadership.
She also claimed that Legarda’s political actions have divided the province, alleging that the congressman is intimidating officials who refuse to follow him and hindering their independence due to his influence.
