Negros Occidental Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez Jr. yesterday said that having won nine previous elections, he is comfortable and prepared for his gubernatorial bid in 2013.

Alvarez, who has been in government service for 24 years as a board member, congressman and vice governor, said he already has a lot of experience in governance.

While Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. described his expected tandem with La Carlota Mayor Juliet Marie Ferrer, as “unbeatable”, Alvarez, is unfazed. “Let’s see who will win in the May 2013 election,” he said.

The showdown for the gubernatorial post in Negros Occidental between Marañon and Alvarez in 2013, is now inevitable, with both having declared their intention to run.

In the 2010 elections, Alvarez said, he won more than 10,000 votes in the sixth district, and 70,000 in the first district, against his opponent for vice governor, Enrico Elumba.

Alvarez said he expects “a very friendly fight” with Marañon in the 2013 gubernatorial race.

The gubernatorial bid of Alvarez, has been endorsed by the Nationalist People’s Coalition and business tycoon Eduardo Cojuangco, and he said he will field a full slate from congressman to councilors in the election next year.

Former Negros Occidental Governor Rafael Coscolluela also expressed his support to him, Alvarez added.

Asked if Negros Occidental will be declared a “free zone”, Alvarez said it does not matter to him, and stressed that he is prepared for any eventuality.

If he wins, Alvarez said, he will continue to implement the Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Care Program of Marañon, which he said was patterned after his free hospitalization program in the sixth district, when he was a congressman.*GPB

back to top