David Castro Sablan files his candidacy for special election

David Castro Sablan, third from left, and his wife, Evelyn Pangelinan Sablan, join his family members, friends, and members of his committee-to-elect in a group photo outside the Commonwealth Election Commission in Susupe yesterday morning. Sablan, an independent candidate, filed his candidacy for the March 23 special election for a seat in the House of Representatives Precinct 3. (Ferdie De La Torre)

David Castro Sablan, an independent bet, filed his candidacy yesterday morning before the Commonwealth Election Commission for the special election for a vacant Precinct 3 seat of the House of Representatives.

Sablan ran for a House Precinct 3 during the Nov. 13 general election. There were only six seats. He lost, landing in eighth place among the 12 candidates.

Yesterday, Sablan was accompanied to the CEC by his wife, Evelyn Pangelinan Sablan, some family members, friends, and members of his committee-to-elect.

Sablan believes he would make it this time.

If elected, Sablan said his main focus is to help those living below poverty level. “I’m really concerned about them. I want to make sure that they are taken cared of because they have been neglected for so many years,” he said.

Sablan has over 25 years of entrepreneurship with a family business and over 15 years of government service. At present, he is working as a real estate specialist 3 with the Department of Public Lands.

Sablan said he believes in the principles of the Democratic and Republican parties, but he opted to stay independent so he can serve both parties.

Sablan pledged to support Precinct 3’s Garapan Business Opportunity Zone, women-in business enterprise opportunities, affordable housing for low to middle income families, and higher education preparation program for women.

Sablan wants to introduce what he calls the Si Yuus Maase Man Amko Commemorative Initiative, initiate affordable preventive healthcare, and establish a heritage pathway for outdoor recreation and health and wellness.

He said he will push for first-generation household members to secure decent jobs and begin a farm-to-table community gardening initiative.

Sablan is the second to file his candidacy for the March 23 special election.

Mariano DLG Fajardo, also an independent candidate, was the first to file his candidacy for the vacant seat.

With the passing of representative Francisco D. Dela Cruz last month, a special election will be held on March 23 to fill the vacant seat.

Dela Cruz landed fifth in the November election.

Rep. Edmund Villagomez, an independent, obtained the highest number of votes. Donald Cabrera Barcinas got the seventh position.

Aside from Sablan, Fajardo, and Barcinas, the candidates that did not make it were Vicente Camacho, Luis Tilipao, and Stanley Torres.

Tomorrow, Friday, is the last day of submission of nominating petitions and candidacy.