Marañon, Alvarez set for 2013 battle
DESPITE MAYORS’ COMMON CANDIDATE
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Both Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. and Vice Gov. Genaro Alvarez Jr. yesterday said they are determined to run for governor of Negros Occidental in 2013.

They said they were not informed of the outcome of a mayors’ meeting last week where La Carlota City Mayor Juliet Marie Ferrer was endorsed as a common candidate for governor , in an attempt to prevent a split in the United Negros Alliance.

Marañon said he was not aware of the mayors’ proposal, and is still determined to seek reelection in 2013.

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia said they will complete the line-up of the Grupo Progreso under the Nationalist People’s Coalition soon as they are all aware that October 1 to 5 are the filing date for certificates of candidacy.

Leonardia said the Nationalist People’s Coalition, the Nationalista Party and the Liberal Party have a coalition at the national level. How it will trickle down to Bacolod, is something they have to clarify with the national officials, he said.

“The details have not yet been laid down to us, but in general, that is supposed to be something that is already conclusive,” he added.

The New Tax Code of Bacolod City is in accordance with the guidelines set by the Local Government Code of 1992, acting Permits and Licensing Division head Vicente Petierre III said yesterday.

Petierre was reacting to the claim of businessman Vladimir Gonzalez that the city imposed the new tax rates abruptly, so the New Revenue Code is anti-business.

Gonzalez also said other cities increased their taxes by only 10 percent so Bacolod has not leveled off with other cities. The increase should be graduated, he added, in a press conference last week.