Did the act of Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. in raising the hand of Binalbagan Mayor Alejandro Mirasol after a United Negros Alliance caucus in Bacolod City yesterday noon speak louder than words?

Mirasol and Board Member Melvin Ibañez are among those UNA is choosing from to field in the June special election for congressman of the fifth district of Negros Occidental following the death of Rep. Ignacio Arroyo Jr.

The governor said they did not come up with a decision yesterday on whom to field as their party’s congressional candidate, but Ibañez has indicated that he is willing to sacrifice his personal interest for the greater good.

Marañon refused to say if the party’s choice was Mirasol, but when the latter approached him, he raised his hand before the media.

However, when Ibanez arrived later, Marañon raised both their hands.

Mirasol’s nephew, Board Member Emilio Yulo Jr., a non-UNA member, has also indicated his interest in running for the fifth congressional seat.

Mirasol and Yulo, along with their family are set to meet to decide who between them should run.

Present at the caucus yesterday, aside from Marañon, Mirasol and Ibañez, were Mayors Agustin Ernesto Bascon of Himamaylan, Hermilo Aguilar of Hinigaran, and Francisco Nazareno of Moises Padilla.

Not present were mayors Francis Malabar of Isabela, and Alberto Nicor Jr. of La Castellana who were said to have other engagements. However, the two mayors are seen to be loyal to former Board Member Enrique Montilla, a non-UNA member, who has also expressed interest in running for the fifth congressional seat.

Marañon said that, although a meeting had been held with the mayors of the fifth district, the UNA executive committee has yet to decide whether it will be Ibañez or Mirasol that they will field.

Ibañez and Mirasol echoed the statement of the governor that no one had been chosen yet to be the official congressional candidate of UNA in the fifth district.

Ibañez said he had not withdrawn from among those up for selection by UNA, but if there is someone who is able to help the fifth congressional district a lot, he will step aside.

If he is not chosen, Ibañez said he will abide by the party’s decision and support the choice of the party.

Mirasol said the decision on whom UNA will field will depend on the governor who heads UNA.

Grace Ibuna, partner of Rep. Ignacio Arroyo Jr., has said she will support Mirasol’s congressional bid.

Mirasol said her being a plus factor cannot be denied as during the time of Rep. Arroyo they helped a lot of people.

MARAÑONS

Meanwhile, Marañon refused to say if he is running for reelection as governor in the May 2003 polls.

He said he has not decided yet as the elections are a year away. You will know in October when the Certificates of Candidacy are filed, the governor said.

His son, Rep. Alfredo Marañon III, who is on his third term as congressman of the second district of Negros Occidental, said he will be retiring.

When asked who will run for the second congressional district of Negros Occidental in his place in 2013, he said it could be somebody from his family.

He did not rule out the possibility that in May 2013 he would run for mayor of Sagay, while his cousin, Mayor Rafael Leo Cueva, will run for congressman of the second district of Negros Occidental.*CPG

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