ALBAY, Philippines – Former Albay governor Noel Rosal and his wife, former Legazpi City mayor Geraldine Rosal, filed their certificates of candidacy on Thursday morning, October 3, signaling their intent to reclaim power in the province.
Noel is making a bid for governor once again, while Geraldine seeks to retake her former post in Legazpi.
Alongside them, their political slate includes entrepreneur Caloy Loria, eyeing a congressional seat in Albay’s 2nd District, and former vice governor Harold Imperial, running for a spot on the provincial board.
The couple’s return to the political arena has stirred attention, with supporters gathering at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office as early as 7 am, eager to witness the Rosals’ formal filings.
Noel faces stiff competition in his gubernatorial run, going head-to-head with former governor and current Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda. The congressman filed his COC on Monday, October 1. – Rappler.com
Reinnard Balonzo is a senior journalism student at Bicol University-College of Arts and Letters. An Aries Rufo Journalism Fellow of Rappler for 2024, he is also chairperson of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines-Bicol.