There are 29 elected officials in Davao City. Three representatives to Congress, the city mayor, vice mayor and eight councilors for each of the three districts.

Of the 29, only five have expiring terms next year. Congressman Ruy Elias Lopez of the 3rd district, vice mayor Luis Bonguyan, and councilors Emmanuel Galicia (1st district), Jimmy Dureza and Gerald Bangoy (2nd district).

Their vacant positions are up for grabs in the May 14, 2007 polls.

The hotly contested one would be the post of vice mayor. As many as 10 names have been mentioned as probables. The next vice mayor would have a good chance to replace Mayor Rodrigo Duterte when he bows out of office for his sixth term in 2010.

The probables include:

Third term congressman Ruy Elias Lopez;

Third term councilors Jimmy Dureza and Emmanuel Galicia; councilors Mabel Acosta, Leo Avila III, Diosdado Mahipus;

Former city and vice mayor Ben de Guzman;

City administrator Wendel Avisado; 1st congressional district chief of staff Karlo Nograles; and retiring police officer Sid Lapena.

Take your pick.

Posted at Re-elect