Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. yesterday said he is remaining with the Nationalist People's Coalition and does not see the consolidation of Liberal Party forces in the province as a threat.

About 12 Negros Occidental mayors are joining the Liberal Party, with vice mayors and councilors as well, Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3 rd District), LP provincial chairman, said Sunday.

The recruits will take their oaths at party convention rites at Nature's Village Resort in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, Saturday to which President Benigno Aquino III, LP chairman, has been invited, the congressman said.

Benitez said the majority of the 12 mayors joining the LP in Negros Occidental come from the Lakas CMD, and that there are none from the NPC.

Marañon said it is normal behavior in Philippine politics for people to move from one party to the other.

But the governor said he is staying with the NPC that is still going strong.

The governor, vice governor, about half of the mayors and congressmen of Negros Occidental belong to the NPC.

NPC and the LP members are part of the United Negros Coalition along with those from other political parties.

UNA, headed by Marañon, is supporting the congressional bid of Binalbagan Mayor Alejandro Mirasol, who is said to be joining the LP, for congressman of the fifth district in a special election set June 2.

Board Member Emilio Yulo III, who is running against him, belongs to the Nacionalista Party. Marañon said Yulo had gone to see him to inform him that he is also running for congressman of the fifth district.

Meanwhile, LP officials who have confirmed they are attending the convention Saturday are Senator Franklin Drilon – party vice chairman, Transportation and Communication Secretary Mar Roxas – president, and Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesses Robredo – executive vice president.*CPG

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