Oriental Negros officials said they have yet to compare notes as to who among the senatorial bets they will support in the May 14 elections.

They said, though, that they all share one common criteria -- the candidate has sentiments, has helped and would be a help to local government units. Rep. Emilio Macias II (2nd district, NegOr), who is ending his last term, and is running for governor under the Nacionalista Party, said he does not have a final line-up yet.

He said he would like to share notes with his partymate, Gov. George Arnaiz.

Rep. Herminio Teves (3rd district), who chairs the Lakas party in the province, said he agrees that it is imperative to look into the qualifications of a senatorial bet.

Macias, Teves and Arnaiz have announced they are supporting the wife of Rep. Jacinto Paras (1st district) in the coming elections. Olive Paras is running for Congress against her husband's brother Jerome, and La Libertad Mayor Jocelyn Limkaichong.

Jerome Paras had served as congressman of the first district for three consecutive terms before his younger brother's stint.

Macias admitted that supporting Olive would mean a big boost to his campaign for the gubernatorial seat, and that, it should be "reciprocal".

This early, Macias said, it looks like there won't be any serious rivalries in the coming elections, even though it will be a three-pronged fight in the first district.

He added that he is supporting Board Member Pryde Henry Teves in the congressional race in the third district.

Macias said he and the two other congressmen, along with Arnaiz, are sticking to their original arrangement of not fighting each other no matter what, and instead unite to improve and develop the province. *JG

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