The selection of candidates who will run under the Nationalist People's Coalition in Bacolod City will undergo a process, Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia said yesterday in an interview over DYRL.

Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, had earlier said it is the mayor, as chairman of the NPC in Bacolod, who will have the final say in the selection of candidates who will run under the party in 2013.

Leonardia said everything is being studied from the position of congressman, mayor, vice mayor down to the city councilors.

As of the moment, other posts are open and the Vice Mayor will be part of the decision making, he said.

If they have to choose candidates who will be running for vice mayor under the Grupo Progreso, all graduating officials will automatically be included in the party's short list, Leonardia said.

They are not only experienced leaders but are also competent in their own field and winnable candidates, if officially chosen by the party, he said.

He as his relationship with Bacolod Rep. Anthony Golez, Jr., is concerned, Leonardia said that they had been talking before his delivery of the privilege speech on the issue of the City’s Charter Day.

Leonardia said he was surprised when Golez took up a local matter before the Halls of Congress, which he believes could be discussed and resolved locally.

“He fired the first shot. And, not only that, he has done it more than once,” he said.

Golez, who has not yet confirmed if he is seeking reelection, said he is still part of the NPC Grupo Progreso and believes that the equity of the incumbent will prevail in the selection of candidates in the 2013 election.

He said he has never left the party and hopes that they can sit down with his party mates to resolve local political matters.

Meanwhile, former Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella said in a TV interview, that he is no longer running for Congress and will be running as an independent candidate.

He also claimed that he is being invited by the Liberal Party and the Partido Demokratiko Laban.*CGS

back to top