Former An Waray Rep. Noel files COC for Malabon Congress seat

Ex-An Waray Party-List Rep. Florencio Gabriel “Bem” Noel files his certificate of candidacy (COC) for congressman of Malabon’s lone district on Saturday, October 5, 2024. His wife, incumbent Malabon Rep. Josephine Lacson, also announced her plan to file her COC for city mayor on Monday. (Photo courtesy of Luisa Cabato)

MANILA, Philippines — Former An Waray Party-List Rep. Florencio Gabriel “Bem” Noel filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for congressman of Malabon’s lone district on Saturday.

Noel is running under the Nationalist People’s Coalition party, with housing projects as his primary platform.

His wife, incumbent Malabon Rep. Josephine Lacson, who accompanied the former lawmaker, also announced her plan to file her COC for city mayor next Monday.

The couple is set to face off against incumbent Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval and her husband, former Rep. Ricky Sandoval, who have already filed their respective COCs for the mayoral and congressional seats.

“The people of Malabon will make sure that the best couple will win,” Noel said in Filipino in an interview.

Noel pointed out that easier coordination is one of the advantages of running in the election with a relative.

“There was once a time when only a few people would visit Camanava. It was dirty, and the economy wasn’t that good. Now that there is an agreement in Valenzuela, which is led by siblings, it has a thriving economy. Navotas is prosperous because of siblings, and Caloocan is well-managed because of a father and son,” he said, referring to the leaders of the cities who are related to one another.

READ: Labor leaders Leody De Guzman, Luke Espiritu file COCs for senator

“Let’s try that in Malabon now, and maybe Malabon will also prosper and improve,” he added.

Noel also believes it was an advantage for voters if their elected officials are relatives.

“Definitely. At the very least, you get along — what more if it’s a couple or siblings? You agree on what national programs need to be implemented and what the local unit needs. Because sometimes, the priorities of the local government may not align with the national government if they don’t communicate,” he said.