Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. yesterday said the United Negros Alliance will be his main political party in 2013, but refused to reply when asked whether he is giving up on the Nationalist People’s Coalition.

Marañon, who was replaced as NPC Negros chairman without being informed, has announced that he is seeking re-election for governor. A long time member of the NPC, Marañon was replaced by Kabankalan Mayor Isidro Zayco, who joined the party only recently.

Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez Jr. said he is the choice of the NPC as candidate for governor in the 2013 elections.

Marañon, UNA chairman, said he does not know if he will attend the meeting of Negros Occidental congressmen in Manila on August 30. Ambassador Eduardo Cojuangco is expected at the meeting where a decision will reportedly be made on whom to field for governor of Negros Occidental.

He does not know if it is an NPC or UNA meeting that is being called, Marañon said.

Former Senator Ernesto Maceda, NPC president emeritus, yesterday said that if the basis for reelection is performance, then Marañon deserves to be reelected in 2013.

Maceda cited Marañon’s gains in improving agriculture in the province that is expected to be self-sufficient in rice next year, and the province’s lamb and swine dispersal program, among others.

I think local governments should concentrate primarily on improving agriculture, he said.

Maceda said all political parties recognize the principle of the equity of incumbent, and normally it applies, but a party can do away with it, too. “The party leadership is supreme, it is just a policy, but not an absolute rule,” Maceda added.

In the case of the NPC, he said it is the executive committee that decides on disputes over a post, but Cojuangco plays a very influential role, especially where Negros and Tarlac are concerned, Maceda said.

Maceda is running for senator in 2013 under the United Nationalist Alliance party. “I feel I have much to contribute,” he said, adding that he has the experience and intelligence.*CPG

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