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Songao, Hocog switch to GOP
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Posted on Feb 14 2005
Rota Senators Diego M. Songao and Paterno S. Hocog have switched political affiliation and are now seeking another term under the ruling Republican Party.
Songao, who ran in 2001 under the Covenant Party, and Hocog, who has been aligned with the same party, are now GOP candidates on Rota.
In a statement yesterday, Rota Republican Party president Edward Maratita confirmed that the two incumbents would seek re-election under the GOP in this year’s elections.
Likewise, Maratita said that former congressman Vicente M. Atalig is Rota GOP’s candidate for the mayoralty race.
For the House of Representatives, the party chose to field Rota Department of Public Works resident director Juan M. Ayuyu.
“I’m proud of our chosen candidates and satisfied that they have what it takes to be successful come this November,” said Maratita.
Meantime, Sen. Paul M. Manglona described the candidates as “the very best candidates Rota has to offer.”
“I look forward to working with all of them beginning next January to strengthen our island’s economy and that of the Commonwealth,” he said.
Atalig, for his part, said in a statement said he was grateful for the party’s endorsement.
He said his priority would be “to create more better-paying jobs for our people by expanding the island’s economy.”
Atalig said he would hold meetings with the local community “to share my plan for a better Rota.”
He said his platform would also focus on education, healthcare, and youth issues.
“A ‘just do it’ attitude will be the central theme of my campaign and my administration should I be elected by the people,” the former lawmaker said.
The party said that it has not finalized the list of its candidates for Tinian and Saipan.
