Olivarez, allies file CoCs in Parañaque

THE political landscape in Parañaque City is taking shape as the candidates from the “Bagong Parañaque” political party, led by incumbent 1st District Rep. Edwin Olivarez, filed their certificates of candidacy (CoCs) for the 2025 midterm elections.

With a mix of seasoned politicians and new faces, the local political scene is set for continuity and change in equal measure.

The Olivarez family continues to solidify its presence in the city’s leadership. Edwin Olivarez, a former mayor of Parañaque, is switching places with his younger brother, incumbent Mayor Eric Olivarez, who was elected in 2022.

Eric is running unopposed for the 1st District congressional seat, ensuring the Olivarez family’s sustained influence in Parañaque politics. Edwin, in turn, will aim to return to the mayoral office, where he served from 2013 to 2022.

Edwin is running alongside incumbent Vice Mayor Joan Villafuerte, whose continued presence in Bagong Parañaque strengthens the party’s position as the leading political force in the city.

Accompanied by a throng of supporters wearing the party’s signature green t-shirts, the team attended a mass at San Antonio de Padua Church before proceeding to the Commission on Elections office in Parañaque City Hall to formally submit their candidacies.

In his remarks after filing his CoC, Mayor Olivarez highlighted the strategic decision behind his and his brother’s switch of positions, emphasizing that Eric’s legislative capabilities and experience as a policymaker make him the ideal candidate for first district representative.

Team Bagong Parañaque’s slate for the 2025 elections is a balanced mix of seasoned politicians and new faces, drawing from the city’s entertainment and political dynasties. In the first district, actress Abby Viduya, known for her screen name Priscilla Almeda, is running for councilor, replacing her husband, actor Jomari Yllana, who has served three consecutive terms.

The Yllana family’s political involvement extends to the city’s second district, where Jomari’s younger brother, John Ryan Yllana, is serving as a councilor. Their elder brother, Anjo Yllana, has also held various local government positions, including city councilor and vice mayor, further solidifying the family’s presence in the political sphere.

In addition to Viduya, the first district councilors under Team Bagong Parañaque include Edwin’s eldest son, Paolo Olivarez and Yeoj Marquez, son of former Parañaque mayor Joey Marquez and actress Alma Moreno. He steps in to replace actor Vandolf Quizon, a last-term city councilor and son of the legendary comedian Dolphy. Vandolf’s wife, Jenny Quizon, is the current chairman of Barangay Tambo, while Alma Moreno serves as a councilwoman in the same barangay.

Other notable candidates in the first district include reelectionist Brillante “Bok” Inciong and Allen Ford Tan, husband of singer Roselle Nava, who also seeks reelection. The slate is rounded out by reelectionist councilor Daniel Eric Baes, former city public information chief Rida Gabriel, and Guada Golez, daughter of the late 2nd District representative Roilo Golez.

In Parañaque’s second district, incumbent Rep. Gustavo Tambunting, who is seeking reelection, is running as an adopted candidate of Bagong Parañaque. The 2nd District’s councilor slate includes several high-profile figures, such as returning councilor Wahoo Sotto, who is set to replace his wife, Nina Celine Sotto. Wahoo comes from a family with deep political roots; he is the son of former city councilor Val Sotto and the brother of former senator Tito Sotto.

Lawyers Jerome Bart Frias, Rico Golez, and Florencia Amurao are also vying for council seats, along with Maria Kristine Esplana and Rafael Lito de la Peña. Sheila Benzon, wife of outgoing councilor Edwin Benzon, is the final candidate on the team’s roster, ensuring continuity of political influence in the Benzon family.