'Apol is it' for Kalibo mayor, says Zamora
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - Youthful Apolonio 'Apol' Zaraspe III is the official mayoral candidate of the United Opposition (UNO) party, now Genuine Opposition (GO) this coming May 14 polls in the vote-rich capital town.
Zaraspe, 36, was endorsed as the opposition's mayoral bet last week by former Executive Secretary and San Juan Rep. Ronaldo Zamora, a close ally of detained President Joseph Estrada.
Apol, as he is popularly known among his constituents, threw the fight for the mayoral post into a possible three-way race involving reelectionist mayor Raymar Rebaldo of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats and former Kalibo vice mayor William Lachica.
In 2004 local elections, Zaraspe was the running mate of Rebaldo for vice mayor, but he was convincingly defeated by incumbent Dr. Nilda Tambong of Kusog it Akean. While Lachica lost against Rebaldo by a slim margin of 81 votes.

Zaraspe said "the town of Kalibo needs a dedicated leader to ensure the delivery of basic services to the people.”
Kalibo, he added, must have a “decisive management and an alternative candidate – approachable, caring, friendly, and possesses a clear platform of government."
Zaraspe is facing a formidable opponent who has served two terms as mayor and with an established political machinery under Tibyog Akean.
Zaraspe, however, is not fielding a vice mayor candidate to give his constituents and supporters a “free choice” to select between reelectionist Tambong and three-termer councilor Ariel Fernandez.
Before the deadline for the filing of certificate for candidacy for local candidates on March 29, Zaraspe is set to hold a press conference to officially announce his candidacy for Kalibo mayor.