Former allies Oreta, Noel battle for mayoral post in Malabon

Indeed, in Philippine politics, there are no permanent friends and foes.

Former allies Malabon Mayor Lenlen Oreta and Representative Jaye Lacson-Noel will be facing off against each other on May 9 for the mayoralty.

GMA News Online tried to get an interview with the two candidates but both camps declined.

They said interviews with their respective candidates might be used against them.

“Nag-iingat lang kasi baka magamit ng kalaban, alam mo na,” a staff at Malabon’s information office told GMA News Online when the latter went to the city hall to know where Oreta was campaigning for a possible interview.

Oreta is a cousin of President Benigno Aquino III.

His mother, former Senator Tessie Aquino-Oreta, will be seeking a Congress seat. They are both running under the banner of Liberal Party.

Lacson-Noel, on the other hand, is runnig under Nationalist People’s Coalitiion, and her running mate is reelectionist Vice Mayor Jeannie Sandoval of the Nacionalista Party.

Sandoval’s husband, Ricky Sandoval will be seeking the congressional seat under NPC.

In an earlier interview with GMA News , Oreta promised to continue the Aquino administration’s Daang Matuwid if he is reelected.

“Marami tayong multi-purpose halls, basketball courts, may inaayos tayong pabahay, several pabahay so ‘yun malaking bagay. I think getting the city hall working as one,” Oreta said.

Lacson-Noel, on the other hand, said she wanted to improve the basic services given to the people.

"Marami kaming gustong gawin, so from the basic services to the needs ng mga tao dito, pabahay, health service, peace and order,” she said. -NB, GMA News