Politics in Benguet is starting to heat up with the recent announcement of former Itogon Mayor Oscar Camantiles that he will be running for governor in next year's contest. Camantiles served as Itogon's Mayor from 2010 to 2013. He ran for reelection in 2013 but he lost to Victorio Palangdan. Camantiles is known to family, friends, and supporters by his nickname Oka.
Sun Star Baguio reported on Wednesday that Camantiles has indeed declared his intention to run for governor and that his platform of government will be highlighting the enhancement of tourism and further development of the province's agricultural industry. Camantiles also said that he will be running as an independent.
On his Facebook page, Camantiles posted a photo with a caption that said, "Malapit na mga minamahal kong kababayan sa napakagandang probinsiya ng Benguet!!!"
The Commission on Elections will be accepting certificates of candidacy from October 12 to 16. Benguet's sitting Governor is Nestor Fongwan. It's still unknown if Fongwan will run for reelection or if he will shoot for a higher position.
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| Image source: Oscar Camantiles's Facebook page. |
