Voters in eight barangays in Antipolo will head to the polls on Saturday, March 14, to decide on their subsequent district consultant.
The winner of the particular election will fill the seat vacated by the late congressman Romeo Acop, who handed away in December final yr.
Six candidates are within the working. Right here’s what to know concerning the hopefuls within the congressional race:
Philip Conrad ‘Dok Bong’ Acop
Philip Acop, thought-about the election frontrunner, seeks to proceed his household’s grip on energy within the district.
“We’ll proceed the struggle,” he stated throughout his late father’s memorial service on the Home in December.
His father was consultant of the district from 2010 to 2019 and once more from 2022 till his demise final yr. Philip’s mom, the late Dr. Resurreccion “Cion” Acop, held the place from 2019 till her demise attributable to COVID-19 in 2021.
Recognized in Antipolo as “Dok Bong,” the youthful Acop is a pediatrician and a former three-term metropolis councilor who topped his races in 2016 and 2019.
His portfolio consists of chairmanship of town council committees on well being and social providers, senior residents, PWDs, veterans affairs, and agriculture.
He’s working with the slogan “Alagang Acop, Alagang Angkop,” centering his marketing campaign on well being, training, agriculture, and livelihood speaking factors.
The entire candidates are working independently apart from Acop, who’s being carried by the Nationwide Unity Get together, the second-largest voting bloc within the Home of Representatives.
Acop is dealing with a disqualification grievance earlier than the Fee on Elections for alleged vote-buying, however the ballot physique stated the case will nonetheless “endure thorough evaluate and due course of.”
Reden ‘Crimson’ Llaga
Crimson Llaga is not any stranger to vying for elective posts, however he has but to see victory after failed bids for mayor and councilor in Antipolo. In his final try within the 2025 elections, he misplaced by a blowout to incumbent Mayor Jun Ynares.
What’s barely completely different this time is Llaga’s extra pronounced help from some smaller figures within the Duterte camp, who’ve publicly endorsed his candidacy. They embrace PDP deputy spokesperson Ferdinand Topacio and pediatrician Richard Mata.
It isn’t shocking why some Duterte allies would have a horse within the race. The late Acop was a distinguished determine of the Home quad committee, which investigated the bloody drug conflict of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Regardless of the dearth of elective authorities expertise, Llaga has outlined an in depth platform centered on good governance. He promised to prioritize anti-corruption measures, enhance Antipolo’s healthcare, and clear up the issue on site visitors congestion.
He additionally expresses help for an anti-political dynasty measure.
Rizal province is residence to the Ynares household, one of many nation’s most enduring dynasties. The clan has dominated the capitol for greater than three many years.
Irvin Paulo ‘Paui’ Tapales
Born and raised in Antipolo, Paui Tapales is an incumbent metropolis councilor within the 2nd District. His legislative resume consists of chairmanship of the committees on finance, authorized issues, and good governance and public accountability.
Amongst his marketing campaign slogans is “Sa abogado, sigurado,” highlighting his latest achievement of passing the 2025 bar exams after 9 years of learning and an unsuccessful first try in 2013.
Tapales stated he thought-about his failure greater than a decade in the past as a blessing as a result of it led him to public service.
Operating as a first-time congressional candidate, Tapales vows to enhance entry to authorities providers in Antipolo. His priorities additionally embrace housing safety, good governance, and academic help packages corresponding to scholarships and monetary assist, significantly for returning faculty college students.
Nathaniel ‘Atty. Nat’ Lobigas
Nathaniel Lobigas, nicknamed “Atty. Nat,” is an impartial candidate. A lawyer for 30 years, he was an administrative legislation decide on the Securities and Change Fee from 1997 to 2000.
His platform consists of land and residential safety, abilities coaching for the youth, elevated common pension, safety of farmers, and employees’ rights.
Maria Trinidad ‘Child’ Galang Cafirma
Child Cafirma is an entrepreneur, mom, and former vice chairman of the Antipolo chapter of ACT-PSG (Towards Crime and Terrorism–Philippine Assist Group).
She is an animal welfare advocate who works as an auditor at a shelter for rescued animals.
“As an auditor, I be certain that funds are used correctly, transparently, and responsibly for the welfare of animals that haven’t any voice,” Cafirma stated.
“I don’t come from a political dynasty. I come from work, service, and real concern,” she added.
That is her first foray into politics.
Dandin ‘Dan’ Infante
Dan Infante, an impartial candidate, is an HR guide with an undergraduate diploma in sociology and a grasp’s diploma in enterprise administration from the Polytechnic College of the Philippines.
He says his marketing campaign is anchored on clear politics, clear governance, and people-first management.
If elected, he goals to writer legal guidelines on wage fairness, discount of value-added tax, and improved psychological well being and well-being of constituents. – Jia Erikah Fajardo/Rappler.com
Jia Erikah Fajardo is a journalism scholar at Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Manila and the Options Editor of The LANCE, the official scholar publication of her establishment. She is at the moment an intern at Rappler’s Nation Unit.
