Local politics in Davao del Norte does not only feature opposing dynasties but also warring wives, as both the former and current partners of outgoing Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez are eyeing a seat in the Tagum City Council.
Emelita ‘Emily’ Alvarez, the ex-wife of the seasoned politician, and his live-in partner Jennifer Maliwanag filed their respective certificates of candidacy (COC) as councilors during the recently concluded registration period for political aspirants.
Maliwanag is running under Reporma, the Alvarez-led political party, while Emily declared herself an independent candidate. There are 10 seats available for Tagum City council with over 20 contenders in the 2025 local elections.
Manila Standard also learned that Alvarez’s daughter, Ana, a lawyer and incumbent councilor, filed her COC for board member.
In a text message, Alvarez confirmed that his wedding to Emily has been declared “null and void” by the Makati regional trial court due to “lack of a marriage” license. He said the Court of Appeals affirmed that decision, but his ex-wife elevated it to the Supreme Court (SC).
Alvarez said the ruling on their annulment case has been since last year. “That’s how slow justice grinds in the Philippines,” he told the Manila Standard.
He and Emily had a bitter parting in 2016 with the latter claiming she was abandoned by Alvarez after he became Speaker of the House of Representatives during the early years of the Duterte administration.
Alvarez first introduced Maliwanag to the public as his “current wife.” He defended his relationship with her, saying he is part of the Manobo tribe in Mindanao, which allows polygamy, according to several online reports.
