Tagbilaran City councilor Leonides “Edi” Borja has abandoned his bid for the presidency of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL)-Bohol chapter, citing party unity over personal ambition.
Speaking in a radio interview, Borja said he was “deferring” his candidacy for the Aug. 22, 2025 elections, just weeks after announcing his intention to seek the post during a city council session on Aug. 1, 2025.
“I am stepping aside and would push my goal some other time if another chance is given to me. I prioritize the unity of the group over my own ambition,” said Borja in Bisaya, a member of Tagbilaran’s ruling Asenso Pa More coalition.
The withdrawal comes after what sources describe as weekend developments that prompted Borja to reconsider his candidacy.
Reports suggest Gov. Aris Aumentado rebuffed Borja’s request for support during a meeting that also included First District Rep. John Geesnell “Baba” Yap II, with the governor citing his prior commitment to incumbent San Isidro councilor Gloria Gementiza.
With Borja out, Panglao councilor Eric Delambaca has surfaced as a potential candidate, according to local political observers.
Delambaca, husband of Panglao Vice Mayor Daisy Delambaca, reportedly enjoys backing from councilors aligned with former congressman Atty. Edgar Chatto.
The development adds another dimension to what was already shaping up as a three-way contest between Gementiza, who is seeking her third term, and Cortes councilor Joanna Cabalit-Initay, who positions herself as an independent reform candidate.
Political insiders report that operators have been crisscrossing Bohol municipalities to drum up support for Delambaca, though his formal entry into the race remains unconfirmed.
Gementiza appears confident of victory, having secured Aumentado’s endorsement and the backing of what she claims is a majority of councilors during a July meeting of Abante Bohol-aligned officials.
Notable absences from that gathering included delegates from Balilihan, Albur and Panglao.
The July meeting also saw Sevilla councilor Remrem Anino and Danao councilor Paul Cepedoza withdraw their presidential bids, further consolidating support behind Gementiza.
“She is bent to help and support all councilors, especially when they have activities,” said one ally, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Cabalit-Initay, who confirmed her candidacy during a Baclayon municipal council session Monday, insists she remains undeterred despite facing well-funded opponents.
“No one can stop me from my bid to become PCL-Bohol president,” she declared, saying her independence from major political figures and her platform of reforms.
Meanwhile, Tagbilaran councilor Fausto Budlong has thrown his hat into the ring for executive vice president, pledging to serve as a “fiscalizer” within the organization.
The second-term councilor, who chairs the influential Ways and Means Committee, disclosed his plans during Tuesday’s city council session presided over by councilor Floro Ringca.
Budlong, an ally of Tagbilaran Mayor Jane Yap and City Vice Mayor Adam Jala, said he wants to “effect check and balance” within the PCL-Bohol chapter while serving councilors across the province.
The PCL presidency carries political weight, as the winner automatically becomes an ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
The final lineup of candidates is expected to crystallize in the coming days as the filing period concludes.