THE most dominant political party in the province of Tarlac—the Nationalist Peoples Coalition [NPC], paraded a powerful cast of candidates in the coming May 9 national and local elections.

Leading the way are re-electionists Governor Susan Yap, Vice Governor Carlito “Casada” David, first district Representative Charlie Cojuangco and second district Representative Victor Yap who will all vie for their third and last term in office.
Also seeking reelection are Board Members Jessie Aquino, Romy Evangelista, Joy Lamorena, Dan Asiaten, Tonyboy Cervantes, Vernon Villanueva and Dan David. Looking to make a comeback are former Board Members Harmes Sembrano and Tootsie Cruz. Completing the 10-man provincial board lineup is Tarlac City Councilor Topey delos Reyes.
Aquino, Cervantes and Villanueva will vie for their last term. Evangelista, Lamorena, Asiaten and David are seeking their second term while Sembrano, delos Reyes and Cruz will try to secure their first term.
In the third congressional district, current Concepcion Association of Barangay Captain [ABC] President Bong Rivera will be the NPC’s bet for a house seat.
Among the provincial officials seeking an office, only Governor Yap is unopposed.
“Sa pamumuno ng ating Gobernadora Susan Yap, kaagapay ang inyong lingkod, ay patuloy nating ihatid ang Serbiosyong maYap at gobyernong may puso sa ating mahal na lalawigang Tarlac,” Vice Gov. David wrote in his Facebook post.
Except for the Municipality of Pura which was a declared a free zone, NPC fielded a complete slate of candidates in 16 municipalities and lone city of Tarlac province.
NPC bets for mayor and vice mayor are —Anao: Jappy de Dios [incumbent vice mayor] and Joy Punzalan [incumbent councilor]; Bamban: Joey Salting [incumbent ABC President] and William Cura [incumbent]; Camiling: Erlon Agustin [incumbent] and Jose Cali; Capas: Rey Catacutan [incumbent] and Clod Gamboa [incumbent councilor]; Concepcion: Noel Villanueva [incumbent Congressman] and Jojo Feliciano [incumbent councilor]; Gerona: Eloy Eclar [incumbent] and Benok Palomar [incumbent councilor]; La Paz: Bong Manuel [former mayor] and Lorna Manalo [incumbent]; Mayantoc: Avelino Pobre [incumbent vice mayor] and Julie Icmat [incumbent mayor]; Moncada: Lita Aquino [incumbent] and Jaime Duque [incumbent]; Paniqui.
Max Roxas [incumbent] and Bien Roxas [incumbent]; Ramos: Rolando Gaudia [incumbent councilor] and Dado Reginaldo [incumbent mayor]; San Clemente: Elma Macadamia [incumbent] and Roseller Toledo [incumbent]; San Jose: Romeo Capitulo [incumbent] and Riza Joaquin [incumbent councilor]; San Manuel: Donya Tesoro [incumbent] and Bening Tesoro [incumbent]; Sta. Ignacia: Nora Modomo [incumbent] and Bong Tan [incumbent]; Victoria: Christian Yap [incumbent] and Rex Villa Agustin [incumbent] and Tarlac City: Cristy Angeles [incumbent] and Aro Mendoza [incumbent].
Leading local political analysts said that the NPC lineup is hard to beat as all candidates have the track record and political following to notch a win.
Gov. Yap thanked Tarlaqueños for their trust and confidence in her.
“I thank all of our kababayans. Being unopposed for the second election in a row means you are approved and trust the programs of my administration,” she said.