Vice guv, lawmaker ‘joining forces’ in 2013

KABANKALAN City Mayor Isidro Zayco, the new provincial chair of the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC), confirmed Thursday the meeting between Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez and Representative Albee Benitez.

Alvarez and Benitez (3rd district, Negros Occidental) reportedly discussed whom to field in all towns and cities in the entire province for the 2013 elections.

The meeting apparently confirmed speculations that Benitez is going to back Alvarez over Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. on what is seen as a “battle royale” for the top post in the province in the May 2013 elections.

Because of the impending split of the United Negros Alliance (UNA), a grand showdown between the incumbent officials and their challengers are also expected all over the province.

Alvarez enjoys the backing of mayors who belong to NPC, including the national party's chairman Emeritus Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco, who is known as the political kingpin in Negros.

On the other hand, Maranon who asserts his incumbency is being backed by about 19 mayors in the province.

Marañon is expected to officially declare today, Friday, his running mate in the coming election and his official admission to a national party.

"I will have an important announcement to make tomorrow," Marañon said on Thursday without giving any hint to Capitol reporters.

Earlier this week, he divulged his long-time invitation to La Carlota City Mayor Juliet Marie Ferrer to be his running mate.

Marañon also said they will field a complete slate in all districts, towns and cities in the entire province and that new and young blood in politics are joining his party.

Meanwhile, Zayco said the mass oathtaking of NPC members will be held on September 22. Those who will join the mass oathtaking include mayors, vice mayors and councilors in the entire province.

According to a source, Cojuangco is expected to be in the province to personally attend in the mass oathtaking.

Zayco, who was also at the said meeting of Benitez and Alvarez, said Benitez also met with members of the Liberal Party in the province on Thursday, including lawyer Andy Hagad, Rene Silos and former Board Members Reynaldo Depasucat and Victor Puey.