By Felipe V. Celino
ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Retired Court of Appeals (CA) Associate Justice Edward Contreras is trying his luck in politics by filing his certificate of candidacy (COC) for the Provincial Board in the 1st District of Capiz on Sunday, Oct. 6. He is running as an independent candidate.
Accompanied by his family and friends, Contreras submitted his COC at the Provincial Comelec Office at Robinsons Place Roxas in Pueblo de Panay, Roxas City.
He said one of his advocacies is to find ways to reduce consumers’ electricity bills, which has been successfully implemented in other areas.
“I cannot yet promise what more I will do. But if I am given the chance to serve as a provincial legislator, I will use my expertise to sponsor ordinances that promote the welfare of Capiceños,” he told the media shortly after filing his COC.
Contreras is no stranger to public service, having 29 years of extensive experience in local government and the judiciary. He served as the municipal secretary of Panay, Capiz, and provincial administrator of Capiz for five years under former Gov. Esteban Evan Dodoy Contreras.
He was executive judge of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Roxas City for three terms and had earlier served as presiding judge of the Municipal Circuit Trial Court and Municipal Trial Court in Cities.
Before his appointment as associate justice of the CA, Contreras was nominated by the Office of the Court Administrator as Outstanding RTC Judge in the 2005 Judicial Excellence Awards for his efficient case disposition.
He is married to Teresita Tan-Contreras, and they have three daughters: Sofia (UP Diliman, Economics, cum laude), Eunice (University of Asia and the Pacific, Development Studies, magna cum laude), and Andrea Isabel (UP Diliman).
In 2022, he received the Roxas City Order of the Golden Heart.
During the 75th Anniversary of UP Visayas, he was one of the 62 graduates recognized as “Accomplished Alumni” for his achievements in public service and leadership.
