BOHOL GOVERNOR SAYS NUP MUST RESOLVE CONA ISSUE FOR CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE
Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado said the National Unity Party (NUP) must resolve the issue of who among its members will receive the Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) for congressman in the first district.
Incumbent Cong. Edgar Chatto and former Tagbilaran Mayor John Geesnell "Baba" Yap, both NUP members, are vying for the party’s nomination.
Chatto, as the provincial chairman of NUP and the highest elected official in Bohol from the party, holds a key position.
CONA is a crucial document that indicates a party’s nomination of a candidate for a specific position.
Without it, a candidate may run as an independent, which carries significant risks, including the inability to substitute another candidate if they become disabled before the election.
According to Commission on Election rules, if a candidate becomes disabled before election day, a party can replace them with a relative with the same surname. However, substitutions are no longer allowed after Oct. 8, 2024.
Aumentado declined to comment on whether he would support Yap if the NUP decides to back Chatto.
Instead, he emphasized that the party must resolve the issue internally.
The governor also did not reiterate his earlier reported support for Yap, saying only that his choice for congressman is in his heart and mind.
Meanwhile, Yap has expressed his intention to run against Chatto, a former ally.
Chatto has reportedly switched his support from Yap’s wife, Mayor Jane Yap, to City Councilor Atoy Torralba, who has also gained Aumentado’s endorsement.