Unopposed candidates: they already won
Why they happen: [1] Due to political deals brokered between politicians; [2] when Comelec disqualifies a candidate; [3] “dominance of a political dynasty; lack of strong political parties and weak ability of alternatives compared to fat dynasties.”
Under the law, only one vote is needed to proclaim the unopposed candidate as the winner.
“Clearly it’s undemocratic, and something that debilitates our democracy… The people don’t have anyone else to choose except the one who dominated the deal.”
Ateneo School of Government dean Ronald Mendoza
The unchallenged bets in Cebu include:
4 HOUSE REPS. Four candidates for members of the House of Representatives: Rep. Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon of Cebu’s sixth district, for Mandaue City’s lone district; neophyte Rhea Aquino-Gullas, for Cebu’s first district; Rep. Pablo John Garcia of third district; and Rep. Peter John Calderon, for the 7th district. Rhea Gullas originally filed her certificate of candidacy for Talisay City mayor while her husband Talisay City Mayor Samsam Gullas filed his COC for the congressional slot; the couple switched places before the Nov. 15 deadline.
5 TOWN MAYORS. Julie Genesse Derama of Boljoon; Ace Stefan Binghay of Balamban; Democrito Diamante of Tuburan; Roy Vincent Singo of Ginatilan; Terence Mariano Blanco of Ronda.
9 TOWN VICE MAYORS. Mariano Laude of Sibonga, Neil Tracy Plando of Alcoy; Raisa Go Moreno of Aloguinsan; Juan Alfonso Lim of Medellin; Rocky Gabatan of Ronda; Danilo Diamante of Tuburan; Alex Francis Binghay II of Balamban; Ervin Villanueva of Boljoon; and William Lagahid of Dalaguete.