Bacolod Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, Nationalist People's Coalition city chairman and mayoralty aspirant, yesterday appealed to his partymates to help work for the victory of their team in the 2013 elections.

Sayson said that the internal clashes within the Grupo Progreso of the NPC is just a normal situation following the selection of only one candidate for vice mayor.

This came after the NPC hierarchy nominated former Councilor Greg Gasataya, Bacolod City Water District director, as the party’s official candidate for vice mayor.

Councilor Al Victor Espino said he just does not understand the selection process, although he believes Gasataya, whom he considers a good friend, has the capacity to become vice mayor.

He said Gasataya was the one chosen when he had no plans of running for vice mayor or councilor. But why can't they choose from among the sitting or incumbent graduating councilors? he asked.

Espino said he has nine days to ponder on his options. He assured, however, that this minor clashes will not disintegrate the party and that they will still support Mayor Evelio Leonadia and Sayson in their bid for congressman and mayor of Bacolod, respectively.

Espino also clarified that they did not boycott the regular Sangguniang Panlungsod session Wednesday.

Sayson said he understands the sentiments of his partymates because he has been in that situation before where he also had to give up his political ambition to let the party decision prevail.

"But as a true soldier of the party, we abided with the party decision and put our full support on whoever the party has chosen I believe that, with a little time, we can heal this minor difference,” he said.

Sayson said because of their relationships that have deepened through the years they have endured many challenges and they believe they could lead the party to victory in 2013.

Councilor Homer Bais said he believes there is a need for the party to sit down and thresh out matters.

He congratulated Gasataya for being chosen as vice mayoralty candidate but at the same time he also respects the sentiments of his partymates, he said.

Bais said he believes the problem will be resolved by the Mayor and Vice Mayor.

Meanwhile, Sayson denied that the choice of Gasataya as the official candidate for vice mayor was in relation to the proposed privatization of the water district which was being circulated yesterday through text messages.

The text message said “Bing and Thaddy have already received an advance commission of P50 million for selling BACIWA to Ramon Ang…and that Gasataya was instrumental in striking the BACIWA privatization deal.”

Sayson called the text message malicious and politically motivated from the people up to sowing intrigues and to politically harass them.

He said this idea could be the workings of a political spin doctor who is politically motivated.

BACIWA general manager Julie Ann Carbon said there is no truth to the text message that the water district will be privatized with Ramon Ang as the proponent and Gasataya as the middle man.

BACIWA employees are against privatization, she said.*CGS

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