Same clans, same names and a few new candidates.

This describes the provincial and congressional races in Masbate, the province that is used to be known as the “wild, wild west of Luzon”.  But, will the changing political climate of the province provide an opening for the few courageous ones who are trying to compete with the well-entrenched clans? Well, only the voters know.

In the congressional races, the seat that will be vacated by third termer, Narciso Bravo Jr., will be contested by Marvi Bravo of the National Unity Party (NUP) and Ricardo Butalid, Jr., of the Liberal Party (LP). At the onset, the odds are against Butalid but the LP will definitely put up a fight for their local candidate. The Butalids, likewise, still have some clouts which enabled Rainier Butalid to nearly defeat Narciso Bravo in the 2007 elections with a very slim margin of 809 votes  out of the 54,770 votes cast.

In the Second District, the race is likewise open. Former governor Olga Know of Lakas-NUCD will attempt to replace her husband, Antonio, and compete with Darius Tuason Sr., of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC). In 2010, Antonio won over Tuason with more than 20,000 margin. If at least 80% of Antonio’s 2010 vote stays and will be given to Olga, the Khos may still retain the seat. Otherwise, the seat is Tuason’s.

In the Third District, there are three contenders though the race will be between clan members Scott Davies Lanete (NPC) and March John Seachon (LP).  The odds are high for Lanete being the incumbent. The third candidate is Ricardo Yanson, an independent.

In the gubernatorial race, Rizalina Seachon Lanete (NPC) will be seeking reelection but will be challenged by Second District Cong. Antonio Kho (Lakas), Father Leo Casas (LP) and Romeo Alburo (Kilusang Bagong Lipunan [KBL]). The incumbent has an advantage but Kho and Casas are posing as big challengers.

The vice gubernatorial race, incumbent Vince Revil (NPC) will be seeking reelection but will be challenged by Boy Tuason (LP), and Dok Nonoy Legaspi (Aksyon). Revil might find a tough fight with Tuason who has a strong clout in Masbate City.

The complete list of congressional and provincial candidates is as follows:

Congressional Race

FIRST DISTRICT

1. BRAVO, MARVI (NUP) 
2. BUTALID, RICARDO JR. (LP) 

SECOND DISTRICT

1. KHO, OLGA (LAKAS) 
2. TUASON, DARIUS SR. (NPC) 

THIRD DISTRICT

1. LANETE, S (NPC) 
2. SEACHON, MAC JOHN (LP) 
3. YANSON, RICARDO(INDEPENDENT)

Gubernatorial Race

1. ALBURO, ROMEO JR. (KBL)
2. CASAS, PADRE LEO (LP)
3. KHO, TONY (LAKAS)
4. LANETE, DAYAN (NPC)

Vice Gubernatorial Race

1. LEGASPI, DOK NONOY (AKSYON)
2. REVIL, VINCE (NPC)
3. TUASON, BOY (LP)

Sangguniang Panlalawigan

FIRST DISTRICT

1. ABAPO, CHERRY (Nacionalista Party [NP])
2. ALIM, TANTOY (NUP)
3. CAM, PAOPAO (United Nationalist Alliance [UNA])
4. GEÑORGA, GIL JR.(INDEPENDENT)
5. PASION, DOK (LP)
6. RIVERA, JOJO (NUP)

SECOND DISTRICT

1. ABAPO, LOVELY (NP)
2. ABAYON, ALBERTO (Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino [PMP])
3. ABELA, BONG (LP)
   
4. ARREGADAS, HAMILCAR (NPC) 
5. CELERA, RICKY (NPC) 
6. DELA ROSA, MANNY(INDEPENDENT)
7. ESPARES, JAMON (NP)
   
8. LAURIO, CHING (LP) 
9. MERIOLES, TATA SONNY (LP) 
10. PLACER, DENNIS(INDEPENDENT)
11. REVIL, KAYE (NPC)
    
12. ROSERO, RR (NPC) 
13. VELASCO, MARCIAL (LP) 

THIRD DISTRICT

1. AREVALO, JASON (NPC) 
2. ARREGADAS, BOYBOY (NPC) 
3. BAUTISTA, JOTT (PMP) 
4. CHU, ALBERT VINCENT (NPC) 
5. ERASMO, ANTONIO JR. (LP) 
6. FRANCISCO, TEODORO (INDEPENDENT)
7. GONZALES, GEORGE SR. (LAKAS) 
8. NAGA, JOHN HENRY (UNA) 
9. VASQUEZ, RICAR (NPC) 

• Politics