Mayor assures ‘due process’ in selection of party bets

BACOLOD City Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia, chairman of the Nationalist People's Coalition in the city, said choosing the candidates who will run under their party will undergo a process.

In an interview over DYRL Wednesday, the mayor said he and Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson have the say in the selection of candidates who will run under NPC-Grupo Progreso in 2013.

“Everything is being studied - from the post of the congressman, mayor, vice mayor down to the city councilors. If graduating councilors will choose to run under Grupo Progreso, they will automatically be included in the party's shortlist,” assured Leonardia.

“They are not only experienced leaders but also competent in their own fields. They are winnable candidates if they are officially chosen by the party,” said Leonardia of the graduating councilors.

The mayor also hinted at possible alliances. "We have to widen our horizon and come up with a decision on the proper time," he said.

When asked about his relationship with Bacolod City lone district Representative Anthony Golez, Leonardia revealed that he and the lawmaker were discussing the issue prior Golez’s privilege speech where he lambasted the change in the celebration of the city’s Charter Day from October 19 to June 10.

The mayor said they were still exchanging views on the issue during that time and he was very surprised when the Bacolod lawmaker took up a local matter before the halls of Congress.

Leonardia insisted that the issue could have been discussed and resolved locally.

“He fired the first shot. He has done it not only once but more than once,” the mayor said.

Golez earlier said he believes he is still part of the NPC Grupo Progreso and that the equity of the incumbent will prevail in the selection of candidates in the 2013 election.

The lawmaker said he has never left the party and hoped that he can sit down with his party mates to resolve local political matters.

Golez might seek re-election but has also hinted at running for mayor.

Leonardia, who is in his last term, has aired his intentions to run for Congress. (Carla N. Canet)