UNA to declare 2013 bets within two weeks

NEGROS Occidental governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. said the United Negros Alliance (UNA) is set to announce its complete slate for the 2013 elections in the whole province in two weeks time.

Marañon said he will also announce his decision if he will seek re-election.

He said they invited former Ambassador Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco, the founder of UNA, in the said meeting.

UNA's meeting was supposed to have taken place Tuesday but Marañon said that it was postponed, as all the party members need to be informed two weeks before the meeting.

Marañon said the party's candidates in the respective districts, cities and towns all over the province will be known during the meeting but he emphasized that the equity of the incumbent will be observed.

When asked if he is seeking reelection, Marañon said that he will also make the announcement during the said UNA meeting.

Pending such announcement, the governor said that he welcomes any possible opponent for the gubernatorial seat.

He added that he may also run for congressman in the second district of the province, as the third and last term of his son and namesake incumbent Representative Alfredo Marañon III ends next year.

Marañon also confirmed that Sagay City Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva is being considered to run in the second district.

The governor also said UNA needs to review its roster of members all over the province, especially the status of their membership with the party.

The recently concluded special election in the fifth district was construed by political observers as a test by some forces on Marañon's strength to lead the province.

Marañon's candidate, former Binalbagan Mayor Alejandor Mirasol, won the congressional seat over Board Member Dino Yulo who was reportedly supported by the Peña brothers, Pulupandan Mayor Magdaleno Peña and his brother Banny Peña and former Board Member Enrique Montilla. Aside from the three, other big political figures also reportedly discreetly supported Yulo.

Mirasol won the special polls but not by landslide, even though all but one mayor in the entire district declared their support for him.