Galvan files candidacy for Aklan governor
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

THE HEAT IS ON. Aklan governor candidate Karen Ambito-Galvan (left) joins former Bombo Radyo Kalibo personality Ernie Sambuang for vice governor (right) in the filing of their certificates of candidacy with the provincial Commission on Elections (Comelec) this morning (ACMagno)

KALIBO, Aklan – As expected political neophyte Dr. Karen Ambito-Galvan filed her certificate of candidacy at the provincial Commission of Elections (Comelec) office here before noon today for Aklan governor.
She was accompanied by former Bombo Radyo personality Ernie Sambuang who will run for vice governor under the Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) at around 11:30 a.m.
Galvan is challenging the post of incumbent Gov. Carlito Marquez of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) and ruling local coalition Tibyog Akean.
Sambuang is pitted against lawyer-journalist and reelectionist Vice Gov. Ronquillo Tolentino of Lakas-CMD and former Aklan solon Gabrielle Calizo of Kusog it Akean.
Despite, the entry of Galvan in Aklan politics, Marquez is enjoying the support of majority of mayors in the 17 towns and barangay officials affiliated with Team Unity of the administration.
Former ambassador Ernesto Maceda in a phone interview last Friday said Ma. Victoria Ramos-Antonino is the legitimate provincial chairman of the Genuine Opposition (GO) after reports that banker Maria Bettina Mobo-Garcia is also eyeing the gubernatorial position.
The party’s arbitration committee will announce this week who will be the official candidates for the province’s top post in the crucial midterm polls, Maceda added.
“Although Mabeth Garcia got the nomination under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) of Makati mayor Jejomar Binay lately, the arbitration committee is trying to resolve the conflict before the deadline of the filing of candidacy before March 29,” he pointed out.
Garcia, wife of incumbent Ibajay town mayor Roberto 'Jun' Garcia Jr, will annouce her political plans before the filing of candidacy, saying, the Aklanons deserve a 'real choice'.

Galvan, a Lyceum of the Philippines graduate, is the eldest daughter of Lolong Ambito who was defeated in 2004 congressional election against three-termer governor Florencio Miraflores of Kabalikat ng Mamamayang Pilipino (Kampi), founded by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.