MANILA, Philippines – Members of the same family are set to compete for the mayoral position in Parañaque City.

The city’s first lady Aileen Claire Olivarez will challenge her brother-in-law, Congressman Edwin Olivarez of LAKAS-CMD, in the 2025 elections.

Aileen, running as an independent, is married to incumbent Mayor Eric Olivarez, who plans to swap positions with his brother by running as the city’s 1st district representative.

Eric and Edwin are running under one slate. 

Aileen serves as the city’s nutrition action officer and chairs the cleanliness, beautification, and sanitation committee.

Meanwhile, Edwin, a seasoned politician, served three terms as Parañaque mayor from 2013 to 2022. In 2013, he ended the political dynasty of the Bernabe clan after defeating Florencio Benjamin “Benjo” Bernabe III, son of former Parañaque mayor Florencio Bernabe Jr.

Edwin was elected the city’s 1st district representative in the 2022 elections. His political career began in 2001 as a member of the Laguna Provincial Board, and he later served as vice governor of Laguna from 2004 to 2007. Edwin’s eldest son, Pablo “Paolo” Olivarez, is also seeking reelection as city councilor.

Both Edwin and Eric are currently serving their first terms as congressman and mayor, respectively, and are not restricted by term limits. What prompted the switching of seats?

Eric, also a former congressman, said in a media interview that his decision to run for district representative stemmed from his desire to continue pushing key legislative priorities, particularly in health and education.

Meanwhile, Edwin said that their decision to swap positions came after a “series of consultations with both the family and various sectors in Parañaque.”

Adding to the family drama is another Olivarez sibling, Shanin, who has thrown her support behind Benjo Bernabe, who is running for vice mayor. Shanin is also eyeing a seat in the Parañaque City Council.

Edwin’s running mate is incumbent Vice Mayor Joan Villafuerte.

In a Facebook post on August 30, Aileen shared a photo of herself and Bernabe raising their hands together, claiming they would run as a “tandem.” However, Bernabe’s campaign materials during the filing of candidacy do not feature Aileen.

Also in the mayoral race is Barangay Baclaran Chairman Julius Anthony “June” Zaide of Aksyon Demokratiko, who ran for mayor in 2022. In that five-way contest, Zaide garnered 64,263 votes (23.64%) against Eric Olivarez’s 174,816 votes (64.30%).

The Olivarez political dynasty traces its roots to Dr. Pablo Olivarez, who served as Parañaque mayor from 1992 to 1995. He and his late wife, Dr. Rosario, also founded Olivarez College and Olivarez General Hospital.

The Olivarez patriarch was present during the filing of candidacies of all of his children Eric, Edwin, and Shanin.

– Rappler.com