‘First Five’ chooses Novero as vice mayor bet

FORMER Bacolod City vice mayor Renecito Novero was the choice of a group of Bacolod City councilor called the “First Five” for the vice mayoralty post.

Novero confirmed this, saying the First Five, which is composed of incumbent Liberal Party (LP) Councilors El Cid Familiaran, Sonya Verdeflor, Archie Baribar, Elmer Sy and outgoing Councilor Catalino Alisbo, chose him to be their candidate for vice mayor.

He said there are members of the party called the LP-Monico wing that also supports mayoralty aspirant Monico Puentevella.

He said they are still finalizing the eight candidates for councilor under the LP-Novero wing.

But Novero said he will run as an independent candidate for vice mayor and the LP candidates for councilors will join forces and support each other in the 2013 polls.

"As of Wednesday night, there were six aspirants who are with us. From among the list who has the love and inclination to run, we are still courting them," Novero said, adding they will come up with the final slate and make an official announcement soon.

Novero said the support shown by the First Five councilors encourages him to pursue his crusade for good governance through the Office of the Vice Mayor in Bacolod City.

"Our conviction is to provide the City Council majority of well-meaning people whose names and track records are clean and whose motivation are honest and sincere so that whoever sits there as mayor, although while we intend to work also sincerely and cooperate with him, they cannot play monkey business with them," he said.

Frank Carbon, LP chairman in Bacolod City, said the First Five has the leeway to join and support Novero.

"The 12 candidates of the LP for councilor in Bacolod City will be given a free hand to choose and support candidates for vice mayor, mayor and congressman outside of the Liberal Party. Bacolod is a free zone. There is no conflict with us when they join and support Novero," Carbon said.

Meanwhile, Councilor Baribar is already part of the 12 candidates for LP.

Baribar’s certificate of nomination is already with Councilor Sy, but Sy said he has not yet signed Baribar’s certificate of nomination.

However, as of Thursday, Baribar decided to run for councilor under LP and will join and support Novero for vice mayor. He is expected to file his certificate of candidacy (COC) next week.

"We will wait for his final announcement. But as to his certificate of nomination, it's already with me," Sy said.

He added that they joined Novero because ever since he is part of their group.

"If Novero was chosen by the Nationalist People's Coalition, I would be forced to support Mayor Bing Leonardia. But our party now is well and okay. But if the election time nears, I might have my own personal choice for mayor and congressman," he said.

Baribar was unreachable for comment as of this posting. (Carla N. Canet)