INCUMBENT councilor Wilberto Al-ag, earlier removed from the Duterte-led Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod (HTL) party, will run for Congress under Lakas- Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD).
Al-ag filed his candidacy as representative of the city’s 3rd Congressional District on Tuesday, Oct. 8, the last day of filing of the certificate of candidacy for the 2025 National and Local Elections.
The councilor told reporters running for Congress will enable him to help his constituents, especially the third district. He is an incumbent city councilor in his second term and the chairman of the council’s committee on social services.
This after the official statement of the HTL on his expulsion from the party along with Councilor Bernard E. Al-ag of Davao City’s 1st District, Punong Barangay Lilibeth Al-ag of Toril Proper, and Punong Barangay Bernadette Al-ag of Bankas Heights was issued on Monday.
“My only violation is we asked assistance from the Tingog Party-list, to help our constituents,” he said.
In the official statement, it was said they have been confirmed to be actively supporting the Tingog Partylist, a political entity not aligned with the HTL.
“Their involvement in activities promoting the interests of the Tingog Partylist, rather than the Hugpong agenda, constitutes a direct violation and betrayal of the Party’s rules and principles,” the statement reads.
According to the statement, “Assisting/helping other political parties or individuals who are not Hugpong members in the furtherance of their political aim or purpose without prior approval of the Party,” is a ground for automatic expulsion.
Al-ag on the other hand said, they have no other motive but to attend to the needs of their constituents and ask assistance from the Tingog.
Al-ag shared there were efforts made to prevent their expulsion. However, they were denied entry during the Hugpong convention in SM Lanang earlier this year.
The councilor said he aims to focus on infrastructure and “double” the effort of the HTL party, especially the assistance for the Davaoeños.
Al-ag will face reelectionist incumbent 3rd District Rep. Isidro Ungab, Ovu Manuvu leader independent candidate Lito Monreal, and former congressman Ruy Elias Lopez.
Photo by Bing Gonzales
