“A merger between Alvarez and Benitez or the NPC and LP will not affect my campaign, I am with the United Negros Alliance,” said Marañon, who is UNA chairman.

Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District), head of the Liberal Party in Negros Occidental, Thursday told LP district leaders that their party is endorsing the candidacy of Alvarez and Lacson, Manuel Yap, LP First District chairman, said.

However, Benitez would only say that he will make an announcement at the proper time when contacted by the DAILY STAR.

Marañon said there are also many LP members who are supporting his gubernatorial bid.

Board Member Alejandro Mirasol (Neg. Occ., 5th District), mayors Jose Montelibano of Silay, Eric Saratan of Talisay, Patrick Escalante of Cadiz and more who are supporting him are LP members, the governor pointed out.

As to the reported statement of Alvarez that he will win the gubernatorial race by a lead of more than 150,000 votes, the governor said his dream is a lead by one vote.

Quoting American politician Robert Kennedy, Marañon said “a majority of one is a landslide.”

Benitez reportedly met with the third district mayors Thursday night to discuss their positions on the 2013 polls.

A DAILY STAR source said three third district mayors – David Lacson of EB Magalona, Montelibano of Silay and Saratan of Talisay are for Marañon, while Severo Palanca of Victorias and Andrew Montelibano of Murcia are for Alvarez.*CPG

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