Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez Jr. announced yesterday that he is running for governor of Negros Occidental in the 2013 elections, with the endorsement of the Nationalist People’s Coalition and the “blessing” of business tycoon Eduardo Cojuangco.

The meeting in Metro Manila, Thursday that was attended by six Negros Occidental solons, Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., Alvarez, newly-designated NPC provincial chairman, Kabankalan City Mayor Isidro Zayco, and Cojuangco, failed to reach a consensus on a common candidate for governor of the province in 2013.

A second meeting among the top officials of Negros Occidental is slated on the first week of September.

Alvarez, however, said that if there is a solution acceptable to everybody, despite the NPC endorsement, “Why should I insist?” He added that he is not “power hungry”.

Cojuangco, who used to be the NPC chairperson, founded the United Negros Alliance, which is composed of members of national political parties, including the NPC, Liberal Party, PDP-Laban, Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino, in Negros Occidental.

If it is good for everybody, I will cooperate, Alvarez said, adding that the 31 towns and cities should also be considered, and not only one or two individuals.

“You should not always think of yourself, but always what is good for everybody. If you always think of yourself, while everybody is sacrificing, will you be happy?” he asked.

Rep. Mercedes Alvarez (Neg. Occ., 6th district) said they have been good followers of the party for the past years. Whatever the party says, we will follow, she added.

Vice Governor Alvarez also said the linking of his son, Mayor John Paul Alvarez and himself to the death of Kabankalan Regional Trial Court Judge Henry Arles, contributed his decision to run for governor of Negros Occidental.

If you are being charged with false accusations, it is natural for you to fight back, he said, adding that this is not an “ordinary thing.”

Kabankalan City Mayor Isidro Zayco said the proposed declaration of Negros Occidental as a free zone in the 2013 election was discussed during the meeting. But when asked about the possibility, Alvarez said, “ I don’t think so”.

Marañon, who is the UNA provincial chairman, said he will seek re-election after he was endorsed by 19 of the 31 mayors, and three of the six Negros Occidental congressmen.

“This is a free country. If you want to run, nobody will stop you,” Alvarez said.

Asked what would be his priority program if her runs for governor, Alvarez replied, “ I will not resort to borrowings”.

Alvarez also confirmed that Rep. Julio Ledesma IV is pushing former San Carlos City Mayor Eugenio Jose Lacson to be his running mate, for the vice-gubernatorial position, although names of other candidates are being floated.

Zayco said they will exhaust all their best efforts to maintain the unity in the NPC and United Negros Alliance, as they finalize their gubernatorial candidate for the next election.

If it cannot be resolved, he said “Chances are, whoever gets the consensus of the NPC will get its support”.

Asked about the possibility of a common candidate to break the impasse, Zayco said it will depend on the two candidates. Asked also if he will accept if chosen, Zayco replied “Let’s give a chance to others”, adding that he will seek a re-election as mayor of Kabankalan.

Zayco, who replaced Marañon as the NPC provincial chairman, had served as board member for nine years, and six years as vice-governor and governor of Negros Occidental.

Alvarez also said that former Negros Occidental Gov. Rafael Coscolluela may extend his support to him.*GPB

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