Asenso Pa More Candidates Defect to Nacionalista Party

Asenso Pa More Candidates Defect to Nacionalista Party

A group of candidates from the Tagbilaran-based Asenso Pa More party have switched allegiance to the Nacionalista Party (NP), according to reports.

The candidates, including City Vice Mayor Adam Jala and several councilors, took their oaths of membership last week in a ceremony held at the Senate. They were joined by Senator Mark Villar, who administered the oath.

The move is considered a crucial point in Bohol’s ever changing political landscape, with the Asenso Pa More candidates now aligning themselves with the Nacionalista Party.

The party’s ranks have been bolstered by the addition of several prominent figures, including Councilors Tim Butalid, Charles Cabalit, Fausto Budlong, Atty. Nerio Zamora, and Gemma Inting.

Councilor Nicanor Besas, who had earlier joined the Nacionalista Party, is being considered as the running mate of Governor Aris Aumentado.

The event in Manila was also attended by Tagbilaran Mayor Jane Yap, who has herself joined the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), and outgoing councilor Eliezer "Ondoy" Borja.

The defection of the Asenso Pa More candidates to the Nacionalista Party will likely have major implications for the upcoming 2025 elections, observers said.