Escuderos break ties with Lees in Sorsogon elections

Rhadyz B. Barcia

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Escuderos break ties with Lees in Sorsogon elections
The political battle – specifically a congressional race in Sorsogon's first district – disrupts a long-standing alliance between the Escuderos and the Lees

SORSOGON CITY – The Escuderos of Sorsogon are considered political bigwigs, but they will be fighting a former political ally in the form of Sorsogon province’s Lees.

The political battle – specifically a congressional race in Sorsogon’s first district – disrupts a long-standing alliance between the two.

Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s mother, Representative Evie “Nanay” Escudero of the first district of Sorsogon, will be going against young congressional candidate Kristine Lee-Balita.

Kristine Lee-Balita is the elder sister of incumbent governor Robert “Bobet” Lee-Rodrigueza of PDP-Laban and is President Rodrigo Duterte’s political ally in Sorsogon province.

Rodrigueza, meanwhile, will be facing off against Ditas Ramos, sister of outgoing solon Ding Ramos, under the Nationalist People’s Coalition, the political ally of Chiz Escudero.

Though there are 6 congressional contenders eyeing the seat for second district, the toughest political battle appears to be between Rodrigueza and Ramos.

For the mayoral race in Sorsogon City, incumbent mayor Sally Lee will square up against incumbent vice governor Ester Hamor, who is Escudero’s political ally.

While Ester Hamor’s husband, former Casiguran town mayor Boboy Hamor is also come vying to become the town mayor of Casiguran once again.

The Escudero-Lee fight is the biggest political battle in Sorsogon history, following 48 years of political ties.

The Escuderos and Lees established their alliance in 1971 but parted ways as Chiz – according to political observers in Sorsogon – aims to end the reign of the Lees in the province.

Escudero’s bid for Sorsogon’s gubernatorial post is also strongly supported by re-electionist senators and senatorial hopefuls from all colors.

A MEAL. Senator Francis Escudero hosts a number of senatorial candidates, including Bong Go and Romy Macalintal in his residence in Sorsogon on March 31, 2019.  Photo by Rhaydz Barcia/Rappler

Uniting opposing forces

The campaign trail in Sorsogon also took a flavor all its own when senatorial aspirants from different political parties, including independent senatorial bets, joined under one roof for a meal in Chiz Escudero’s house on Sunday, March 31. 

Photos showed him dining with former presidential aide Bong Go, election lawyer Romy Macalintal, and ex-solicitor general Florin Hilbay, among others.

The senatorial bets were given a chance to discuss their political agenda before members of the press, while local candidates from municipal, city, and provincial levels were also present to let the senatorial candidates interact with local leaders in Sorsogon province, irrespective of party affiliation.

Among the candidates who came to Escudero’s residence were the following:

  • Grace Poe
  • JV Ejercito
  • Cynthia VIllar
  • Bam Aquino
  • Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go
  • Romy Macalintal
  • Florin Hilbay
  • Francis M. Tolentino
  • Neri Colmenares
  • Juan Ponce Enrile
  • Jinggoy Estrada.

The senatorial bets joined Escudero in his proclamation rally in Sorsogon City on Sunday afternoon. – Rappler.com

 

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