Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. yesterday said he is prepared to face anyone in the race for the governorship of Negros Occidental.

In a democracy one will always face the possibility of having an opponent, he said

The governor refused to react to the statement of Rep. Alejandro Mirasol (Neg. Occ., 5th District) that Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez had consulted him on the possibility of his running for governor.

You ask the vice governor, not me,  the governor, who is chairman of the United Negros Alliance, said.

He said there are some people sowing intrigue between him and the vice governor, but they remain  good friends.

Meanwhile, Rep. Alfredo Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District)  yesterday said that the UNA will field one gubernatorial candidate in Negros Occidental in the 2013 elections.

Benitez  said that while they will follow the process of the party, there will be only one UNA slate.

While he confirmed  having talks with Alvarez, he said  the vice governor  has not categorically stated that he is running for governor.

“There is always communication between us party members, he (Alvarez) has not categorically stated that, but I think everybody has an aim to run for a higher position,  but the question is when” Benitez said.

Alvarez, in a separate interview at the House of Representatives in Quezon City, reiterated that a process will be followed in the selection of UNA candidates in the Negros Occidental.

He expressed his dismay that there are some attempts to create  conflict between him and Marañon, who has been a close friend to him.

Benitez said he was told by Marañon that the declaration for him to run for re-election was not a categorical statement, but was issued because there were endorsement from the mayors.

He also said that whatever is the decision of UNA it will also be followed by the third district mayors.

As to the alleged possible clash between Alvarez and Marañon for the gubernatorial post, Benitez replied  I am not hoping… I am sure it will be resolved”.

He, however, said that what is happening at UNA is an internal process being experienced by local party members, adding that,  “One thing for sure is the foundation of the party is based on people uniting.”

Benitez earlier said that LP, whose members are also UNA, will support the gubernatorial candidate of UNA.

The congressmen of Negros Occidental are expected to meet this week with business tycoon Eduardo Cojuangco , UNA founder, to decide on whom they will field for governor.*GPB

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