Lawyer and former Ako Bicol Rep. Alfredo ‘Pido’ Garbin announced that he is no longer running for mayor of Legazpi City, instead honoring Speaker Martin Romualdez’s request for him to return to the House of Representatives.
Garbin stated that this request was relayed through House Appropriations Chairperson Elizaldy ‘Zaldy’ Co, who had previously approached him before the House Speaker’s request.
Garbin declined at that time, as he had been active in Legazpi City, preparing for his candidacy as mayor.
Celebrating his 48th birthday with his leaders in Barangay Taysan during Ako Bicol party-list’s 23rd “Tarabangan Caravan” on October 3, 2024, Garbin confirmed his decision to comply with the House Speaker’s request.
Garbin is set to file as the second nominee of Ako Bicol party-list next week. He will join Co as first nominee and lawyer Jerome Mendoza in the organization should the party-list get re-elected in the 20th Congress.
Garbin further declared that his brother-in-law, Albay Board Member Hisham Ismael, will run for mayor on his behalf, with incumbent Legazpi City Councilor Luis Gutierrez as vice mayor.
Ismael’s slate was also presented, including aspirants such as former Ako Bicol Rep. Christopher ‘Kito’ Co, who is running for congressman in Albay’s 2nd District.
Farida ‘Diday’ Co was introduced as a candidate for vice governor and running mate of Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, who recently filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for governor of the province.
Kito and Diday are siblings of Zaldy, the founding chairperson of Ako Bicol party-list.
The entire slate is set to file their COCs on October 8, 2024.
