Four incumbent Bacolod City Councilors, three former councilors and a broadcaster took their oath of membership before Liberal Party Provincial chairman (Neg. Occ., 3rd District),  Rep. Albee Benitez yesterday in Bacolod City.

Sworn in were incumbent Councilors Elmer Sy, Sonya Verdeflor, Archie Baribar and Catalino Alisbo, former councilors Jocelle Batapa- Sigue, Ana Marie Palermo and Juan Ramon Guanzon and broadcaster Marlon Solidum.

Benitez said the new members believe in the principles and vision of the party that rejects the politics of convenience in favor of the politics of conscience.

If the voters like the social agenda that the LP stands for it can be the vehicle for their victory, he added.

Also present at the oathtaking  was former Bacolod Vice Mayor Renecito Novero, who said he  was invited by LP Bacolod chairman Frank Carbon. He also said he had  been invited by the LP even before but he is already with the Nationalist People’s Coalition.

WILL ASK GRANDPA

As for Novero’s joining the LP, Benitez said that he will first ask his grandfather BREDCO president Simplicio Palanca, about it. Novero is one of the lawyers of BREDCO.

The LP has not decided on whether it will field a full slate for Bacolod from congressman to councilor in 2013, it is still being discussed.

The will come up with their  slate  by early  September, Carbon said, adding that they are open to alliances with other political parties.

                             EVERYBODY INCLUDED

Carbon said everybody will be included in the list of possible candidates, even former Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella, Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, and others.

Baribar, in response to a question on the fact the majority who took their oaths with the LP are allies of Puentevella, said  their joining the LP will strengthen  the former congressman’s bid in 2013.

Meanwhile, Sy, when asked if he will run for mayor by joining the LP,  said he will only run if  Guanzon will not run for the same post.

Guanzon however, said  he will not run for any position and his membership with the LP is meant to help and not for any political plan.

Sigue also expressed her intention to run for councilor because she said she has been an LP member since 2010.

Verdeflor, said she believes they could transform Bacolod morally and spiritually with the LP on their side.

 Baribar said he believes personal crusade for good governance should not remain personal. It should be a collective effort.

Palermo said she has always been for good governance so she joined the LP because of its principles of responsibility, transparency and accountability.

BBB PRINCIPLES

Former LP Bacolod chairman Andy Hagad said the LP Bacolod had adopted before the principles of “Brotherhood for Better Bacolod.” BBB was started by first-timers in politics who include his father and other former city officials and later on by honorable professionals, he said.

Meanwhile, Carbon said broadcaster Ray Carmona, who was endorsed recently by the Yellow Army, will be considered since he is included in the long list of the LP. He was sworn in by the President during the latter’s visit to Talisay on May 5, he said.

Not present at the oathtaking were former Vice Mayor  Ramiro Garcia and former Councilor Lyndon Caña, who were earlier said to be among those being considered by the LP Bacolod for mayor and congressman, respectively. *CGS

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