COC FILING. Lingayen, Pangasinan incumbent Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil (left) files his certificate of candidacy (COC) for congressman for the 2nd District of Pangasinan on Friday (Oct. 4, 2024). Bataoil was assisted by Commission on Elections provincial supervisor lawyer Ericson Oganiza (center). (Photo courtesy of Leopoldo Bataoil's FB)
MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – Lingayen Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil is eyeing a return as representative of Pangasinan’s 2nd District as he filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) on Friday.
Bataoil was the first aspirant to file his COC at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial office at the People's Astrodome here during the day.
"My dear people of the Second District of Pangasinan, I filed my COC at exactly 8:00 a.m. today without fanfare. Please pray for me," a post on his social media account said.
In a media interview, Bataoil said he is running under the National Unity Party.
"I would have wanted to graduate as mayor but due to unforeseen circumstances beyond my control, I have decided to run again. I am aware of the consequences, whether I will win or I will lose. I am not afraid to lose but I will fight to win," he said.
Bataoil entered politics in 2010 and served as representative of the 2nd District until 2019.
He ran for mayor in the capital town of Pangasinan and won two consecutive elections.
He is expected to challenge incumbent Rep. Mark Cojuangco.
Meanwhile, 21 aspirants for provincial and congressional seats filed their COCs at the Comelec provincial office from Oct. 1 until 3 p.m. Friday.
Aspirants for other local posts, such as councilman, vice mayor, and mayor, filed their COCs at their respective local Comelec offices.
Comelec-Pangasinan provincial election supervisor lawyer Ericson Oganiza, in an interview, said the Comelec offices would be open this weekend to aspirants who will file their COCs. (With reports from Liwayway Yparraguirre/PNA)
