- Upstart challenges old man for City Hall; Migs seeks to unseat Pulong in 1st District
THE TWO most prominent political families are on a direct collision course for next year’s mid-term elections as resigned Civil Service Commission chairman Karlo Nograles filed his candidacy for mayor on the last day for filing the certificate of candidacy (COC) on Tuesday, Oct. 8.
The two-term congressman will directly challenge former President Rodrigo Duterte for City Hall. The 79-year-old filed his COC on Monday, Oct. 7.
Two other candidates also fielded their COCs for the mayoralty position–social media personality Roweno Caballes and Bishop Rodolfo Cubos.
Meanwhile, Karlo’s sister, PBA Party-list Representative Margarita Ignacia “Migs” Nograles, will test her mettle against incumbent 1st District congressman Paolo Duterte.
The siblings are attempting to accomplish what their father failed to do, which is to win as mayor. The late congressman and House speaker Prospero Nograles lost to Rodrigo Duterte twice in the 90s and to Vice President Sara Duterte in 2010.
Nograles, who won as the 1st District congressman in 2010 and 2013, is running as an independent candidate.
In an interview with the media on the sidelines of his candidacy filing, the former Cabinet secretary said he’s ready to face Duterte.
“Yes, I filed my certificate of candidacy to provide a choice for Davao. “By filing, we are providing a choice for Davao. It’s a 50/50 contest,” Nograles said.
When asked if he is backed by the administration, he responded, “This process, this decision, has many supports and messages. It was not an easy decision. Many have supported and convinced me to provide a choice for Davao, giving the people a chance to choose.”
“This is for the people of Davao, so they can choose who they believe is deserving and capable of bringing change to Davao,” he added.
Migs vs Pulong
PBA Party-list Rep. Migs Nograles joined the local race as she filed her candidacy on Tuesday, Oct. 8, to challenge incumbent congressman Paolo Duterte and two other candidates.
In an interview with the media, the lawyer plans to focus on improving infrastructure and providing more programs for various sectors, including solo parents, senior citizens, the LGBTQIA+ community, and others to improve the lives of Davaoeños.
When prodded to give a message to her political rival, she said, “May the best candidate win.”
David vs. Goliath
The aspiring mayor said he had not talked to the former president since resigning as CSC commissioner on Monday.
“With respect, I also tendered my resignation to those who appointed me,” he added.
In his message, Nograles said, “I bid farewell and resigned from the Civil Service Commission. I still have five more years left as head of the agency and a lifetime pension waiting at the end of my term.
“I realize that in life, there comes a time when you must prioritize things more important than position and benefits. Today, I return home to Davao City to offer myself and my 20-plus years of experience in government to serve you, my first love.
“My heart has led me back. I can’t help but feel that my first love, which I will never forget, is now in Davao City—the reason I entered public service in the first place. The people of Davao gave me the chance to serve, and I owe everything I have accomplished as a public servant to them. This has strengthened my resolve to return to Davao.
“I see many services that can be implemented to truly uplift the lives of the people of Davao.
“The best city offers the best public services, especially during times of need, such as during illness. This includes ensuring food security, providing educational support, opening job opportunities, and offering other public services.
“We, the people of Davao, deserve to have choices and not be in a situation where we have none. Davao and Davaoeños deserve real, meaningful, and lasting change,” he emphasized.
“Over two decades, I have learned that implementing reform is not easy, nor is it easy to accept change. We all know that campaigning presents significant challenges.
“As some say, it’s like David versus Goliath but we are accustomed to hard work. We face any challenge that comes our way. It is in our nature to fight for what we value and protect our loved ones. We fight for those we love,” Nograles said.
“I believe that the people of Davao have the right to make the right choice at this crucial moment in our beloved city’s history. Remember, democracy means having a choice. I offer you a rare opportunity for positive change,” he added.
“Today, I reach out to all of you, asking for your kindness, patience, and understanding. I request the chance to present my vision over the next several months. Together, we can improve life for every Davaoeño family, ensuring better access to basic commodities, healthcare, job opportunities, education, and better assistance for those who deserve it from their public servants.
“If other cities can achieve this, why can’t we in Davao? I believe that with your support, we can do more,” he concluded.
Photos by Bing Gonzales
