Home 
THERE ARE two Ruizes running for mayor of Mandaue City, and two Del Mars running for Congress in Cebu City.
But the more prominent Mandaue candidate, outgoing 6th district Rep. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz, claims that the candidacy of Eugenio Ruiz, 54, was a ploy by her rival, reelectionist Mayor Jonas Cortes to mislead voters or disqualify ballots in the 2010 elections.
It was an old election tactic, she said, but since the 2010 elections would be automated, with ballots already bearing the printed names of all candidates, there was no fear of invalidating a ballot in cases of two candidates with the same surname.
Soon-Ruiz said she would not bother to file a disqualification against Ruiz, as she would respect his right to seek elective office.
She also said confusion between her and him would be minimal because she was more known by her maiden name, Soon, rather than her husband?s family name.
?I?m sure people will choose the one whose name is Inday Nerry Soon-Ruiz. They won?t be confused by this other Ruiz because it?s Soon-Ruiz that they know of,? she said.
Rep. Raul del Mar, however, was still considering filing a complaint against Jacinto Mendoza del Mar.
Jacinto is running for Congress in Cebu City?s north district, the same position that Del Mar?s daughter, Rachel ?Cutie? Del Mar, is also running for.
Based on his COC, Jacinto, 49, is a preacher running under the ?Philippine Green Republican Party? and resides in barangay Capitol Site, Cebu City.
Asked if he was related to the incumbent congressman, Jacinto told reporters he was a ?distant relative? of Representative Del Mar.
The congressman said he and Rachel would like to meet Jacinto to clarify the situation.
?There?s a possibility that we will file a disqualification, but still no plan yet. We have to look at the situation first,? Rep Congressman Del Mar said.
If election officials deem Jacinto qualified to run, his name in the alphabetical listing of names for north district congressional candidates in the ballot would appear above Rachel?s.
