Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo said he will support incumbent officials seeking reelection or other positions in the May 13, 2013 election.

These are Rep. George Arnaiz (Neg. Or., 2nd District), Mabinay Mayor Ernesto Uy, Tanjay City Mayor Lawrence Teves and Dumaguete City Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria in the second district; Rep. Pryde Henry Teves (Neg., Or., 3rd District); and former three-time congressman Jerome Paras, who will reportedly challenge former LTFRB chief Manuel Iway, in the first district of the province.

Degamo said he will announce his complete ticket before the filing of the Certificates of Candidacy October 1 to 5, as the other gubernatorial candidates, Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichong (Neg. Or., 1st District) and former congressman Margarito Teves are also fortifying their political camps with complete slates, from the governor down to the sangguniang bayan members.

In Dumaguete City, a one-on-one mayoralty fight is expected between Sagarbarria and Vice Mayor Alan Gel Cordova, whose vice mayor bet could be Councilor Joe Kenneth Arbas, but the rest of the slate has yet to be announced.

Sagarbarria’s tandem is former Vice Mayor Woodrow Maquiling, with five incumbent councilors running for reelection: Nilo Sayson, JJ Esmena, JV Imbo, Dan Leon and Liga ng mga Barangays president Albert Aquino. Also in the lineup are Lani Ramon, Peter Catan, Joel Obar, and incumbent Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Saleto Erames.*JG

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