Grupo Progreso: Vice mayor post still open

BACOLOD City Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson said members of Grupo Progreso are still looking at several possible candidates for the vice mayor position, adding they will make announcement in due time.

He said the group will declare its complete lineup for the 2013 elections once they have the guidelines for the coalition of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, the Nationalista Party and Liberal Party.

Sayson said there are graduating councilors of the party who are probable candidates for vice mayor.

He also denied having met with former vice mayor Renecito Novero regarding the position. He said the last time he met Novero was during the birthday of Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia in July.

Councilor Dindo Ramos, one of the graduating councilors of Grupo Progreso, said they are presenting themselves for the vice mayor position but are not very insistent about it.

He said it would be favorable if their group has many choices, especially coming from their party.

Ramos said he has all the factors in his favor to be a candidate, since he has his bailiwick and he is equipped with the experience and competence to handle the position.

But if ever the group chooses another candidate, he can return to private practice as a lawyer and that he has many other options.

“If the group thinks we can help strengthen the party, we are willing to contribute our services,” said Ramos.

He said if the group invites others outside of the party, they will ask that due process be observed and that their sentiments will be heard.

Ramos said they are supportive of Leonardia and Sayson. “But we cannot be forced to support candidates we do not feel like supporting.”

If there is no coalition between Grupo Progreso and the Liberal Party, he said they will still present a complete slate and a strong lineup.

“We are trying to prepare and equip ourselves and will field good materials. They are ready against any of their political opponents,” Ramos added. (CNC)