Bacolod Mayor Monico Puentevella said yesterday that they will have big surprises when they finally come out with their complete slate in due time.

They are not in a hurry since they are in a good position being incumbents, but he hinted that there could be some new candidates from other camps who will be joining their team.

He consults with his group, Pamilya MKK in preparation for the 2016 elections, he said, adding that they have many candidates to choose from.

When asked for his comment on the pronouncement of Bacolod Rep. Evelio Leonardia of the Nationalist People's Coalition–Grupo Progreso that their party has drawn up a complete slate for the election next year and that it is going to be a “powerhouse”, Puentevella said let them do what they want. “This is a democracy. They are all our challengers,” he said.

His partymate, Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr. said earlier, that they will wait for the NPC-Grupo Progreso to announce their candidates before they announce their official line-up.

Gamboa said they are also dependent on the decision of Leonardia on what position he will run for because until now it is not clear whether he will run for mayor or congressman.

On reports that independent Councilor El Cid Familiaran is being wooed to run for vice mayor under Grupo Progreso, Vice Mayor Greg Gasataya said this is a matter that NPC should resolve since there were many names laid on the table.

As of this time, there are no declarations made yet as to who will run for what position, he said. All are speculations and nothing is final yet unless there is a clear declaration.

Former Councilor Dindo Ramos, who is a member of Grupo Progreso, earlier, said he is planning to run for vice mayor if Councilor Roberto Rojas, who is graduating next year, will not run.

Gasataya said this will be assessed and evaluated by the party, since it is the party that will issue the certificate of nomination.

Nothing is final until the filing of certificates of candidacy, he said.

The NPC meeting Sunday was attended by Leonardia, Gasataya, Ramos, Rojas, Councilors Em Ang and Ceasar Distrito, former councilors Al Victor Espino, Mona Dia Jardin, and former National Capital Region-Land Transportation director Ricardo Tan.

Meanwhile, Councilor Carlos Jose Lopez said he was not able to attend the NPC meeting because of prior commitment in the Church. God should be prioritized, he said.

Lopez said he is immediately apprised and consulted on all matters before and after the meetings.

On the other hand, Puentevella said it is the right of the owners of the property in Honorata G. Manalo Street (Buri Road) in Brgy. Mandalagan, Bacolod City if they will file a case against the Department of Public Works and Highways and the city for just compensation.

“That is their right as owners of the property. I will not stop them,” he said.

Pauline Tumonog-Nuega, legal counsel of the claimants, had said they will also cooperate with the city in filing a malversation case against the DPWH with the Office of the Ombudsman for infusing public funds on privately-owned property.

Puentevella said the city will talk to the landowners regarding their claims for just compensation.*CGS

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