The Liberal Party is not inclined to field a gubernatorial candidate in Negros Occidental in the 2013 election if the Nationalist People’s Coalition candidate will run for the same position, its provincial chairman, Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez, said yesterday.
Governor Alfredo Maranon Jr. , who is a member of the NPC, has not confirmed nor denied if he will seek a re-election, saying he would like to focus on work now, and not on politics.
NPC and the LP members are part of the United Negros Coalition, chaired by Marañon.
If a coalition partner intends to run, in the case of NPC, that’s the same as LP (having fielded its own candidate), Benitez, who had a brief dialog with Marañon yesterday at the 3rd Brainsbee Ni Albee sa District 3 finals at the Victorias Sports and Amusement Center, said.
Marañon said he is remaining with the NPC and does not see the consolidation of LP forces in the province as a threat, after 12 mayors including vice-mayors and councilors took their oath as LP members, in Negros Occidental, recently.
Benitez, who debunked speculations that he may opt to run for the gubernatorial post in Negros Occidental, stressed again that he is seeking re-election as congressman of the 3rd district of the province.
He said they will observe the policy of equity of the incumbent, adding that the LP officials presently occupying an elected position, will naturally be endorsed by the party.
“On non-LP positions, which have an existing coalition with LP, in the case of NPC, we will also have to go with our coalition partner,” he said.
Marañon, Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez, Mayor David Albert Lacson of EB Magalona who chairs the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Negros Occidental chapter, and the Association of Chief Executives, as well as half of the mayors in the province, are NPC members.* GPB
back
to top
|