Bacolod Councilor Archie Baribar yesterday said he is still undecided about the open invitation of Grupo Progreso led by Mayor Evelio Leonadia and Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson for him and his group to join the party, and said he still needs some soul-searching.

Baribar yesterday said, that would be a very touchy situation that would put him and his group Councilors Sonya Verdeflor, El Cid Familiaran and Elmer Sy in a compromising situation.

They have not yet seen how determined the national coalition of the Liberal Party, Nacionalista Party and Nationalist People's Coalition is, and its trickling effect on the local situation, he said.

Baribar said he is aware that some of their group members are open to it, but he would rather reserve his comment on the matter.

Asked about their relationship with mayoralty aspirant Monico Puentevella and his party, Baribar described it as "civil and cold."

But he said he cannot say what tomorrow will bring and, most likely by next week, there will be a clearer picture about their position on the matter. As for now, the four of them are intact, but he cannot say with certainty when push comes to shove if they can maintain it, he added.

Baribar said they have their limitations and they respect each other's decision, and that is the thing that binds them.

Councilor El Cid Familiaran said he felt honored by the invitation of the Grupo Progreso of the NPC and that is big thing on his part and to his group. But he will wait for the final decision of the national hierarchy on the national coalition of NP-LP-NPC, he said.

He said that is a very big factor to consider particularly in his decision.

He also said he does not have political differences with the group of the Mayor. But that is his personal decision, and it does not include that of his group, he said.

“We are still intact and I hope that we will remain together," he added.

Leonardia and Sayson said they are open to the group of the “First Five.”

Sayson said the delay is caused by the coalition, since they are waiting for the guidelines from the NPC officials on how to go about it, and which party will take care of the coalition.

Leonardia said they are aware that the filing period is on October 1 to 5, and that is not far from now.

But with or without the coalition, they will put up a full slate, he said, adding that they are flexible and open to negotiations with those who want to join them, he added.*CGS

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