Former Palawan 3rd District Representative Atty. Gil “Kabarangay” A. Acosta believes that having more candidates to select from in the next May 12, 2025 midterm elections would benefit residents of Puerto Princesa City and Aborlan town.
This was Acosta’s reaction after a third name emerged as a candidate for congressman in the 3rd legislative district of Palawan—Elroy John “Clink” M. Hagedorn—who filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) today, October 4, to join the congressional race in the third district.
Yesterday, former Governor Abraham Kahlil “Baham” B. Mitra also filed his COC for the same position.
“Ang sabi ko kanina, mas maganda para sa mga taga-Puerto at bayan ng Aborlan na mas maraming choices. Lahat naman ‘yun, out of the three, parang tatlo ang tatakbo—ako, yung isa at yung isa—kilala naman. Kumbaga, political royalties,” Acosta stated.
He, however, added that he hopes voters will choose a candidate based on what they have accomplished and what they can do.
“I’m not saying na ako, but the records will speak for themselves kung ano ang nababagay para sa ikatlong distrito ng lalawigan ng Palawan,” he elaborated.
Acosta pointed out that with the election still far off, people need not fight each other over politics. He noted that while politics is inherently divisive, the election itself only lasts for one day.
“Meron sigurong hindi pagkakasundo sa mga prinsipyo at mga patakaran, but at the end of the day, lahat tayo ay Palawenyo, lahat tayo ay taga-Puerto Princesa,” he explained.
Support for VM Nancy Socrates
He also reiterated his decision to endorse and support Vice-Mayor Maria Nancy M. Socrates’ candidacy for Puerto Princesa City’s top post, despite the fact that her brother, Governor Victorino Dennis M. Socrates, is endorsing another candidate for the position he is running for.
He said that it would have been easy for him to abandon the vice-mayor, but he remains committed to his word.
“Kumbaga, nakataya na yung pagkatao ko na nagsabi ako sa kanya na through thick and thin tayo ang magkasama regardless kung ano ang mangyari sa labas,” he stated.
“Dapat sana yung mga bagong sasabak sa pulitika, the word is your bond. Na kung nakapagsalita na, wala nang balian. Na-experience ko na yung nabali ang sinabi. So kung ayaw kong gawin sa akin, ayaw ko rin gawin sa iba. So we stand firm doon sa ating paninindigan kay Ma’am Nancy,” he added.
As he reenters the political arena, Acosta expressed his gratitude for the continued support of his followers. He also said he hopes to build on the work he started during his first term as congressman of the 3rd District.
“Kaya tayo nandito ulit dahil sa pananaw natin na yung ating nasimulan na tatlong taon, dalawang taon na na-COVID pa, ay maganda para sa lalawigan ng Palawan,” he said.
“Mahirap, pero magiging madali dahil meron tayong mga kasama na nandyan through thick and thin, kasama natin sa paglalakbay dito sa buhay ng pulitika,” he added.
Moreover, he acknowledged that while some supporters have remained loyal, others are not easily satisfied.
“Meron talagang basher, meron talagang ayaw sa atin, which is the essence of democracy,” he concluded.
