Councilman joins Bais vs Gasataya

COUNCILOR Dindo Ramos has joined Councilor Homer Bais in his decision not to support Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC)-Grupo Progreso vice-mayoralty candidate Greg Gasataya in his bid for the second highest elective post in Bacolod City this May polls.

Ramos said that, just like any other person, he too has his personal choice.

"Greg and I have remained friends. Public service will not suffer from our personal choice," he added.

Ramos said he is leaning towards the candidacy of lawyer Renecito Novero, adding that Gasataya never approached them to ask for support.

"I have waited for Greg to call and maybe invite me or us for coffee. But he never did. It might be that he does not need our support and he is not welcoming it. He never greeted us even a merry Christmas. But it is no problem with us," Ramos said.

Gasataya, meanwhile, said he does not have any ill-feeling towards his former colleagues and friends.

He said he respects their decision and that it is their personal decisions.

Gasataya said he still enjoys the whole support of his fellow candidates in Grupo Progreso, particularly incumbent Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, who are running for the congressional and mayoralty posts, respectively.

Gasataya added he is sticking to the earlier pronouncement of Leonardia that there is nothing official and definite yet on the non-support of some of their fellow GP members, particularly graduating councilors Bais, Dindo Ramos and Al Victor Espino.

Leonardia, in a press conference earlier this week, said he is still opening the communication line between members of GP to resolve the alleged rift over the choice for the vice mayoralty candidate.

The mayor said he is very supportive of Gasataya as the local party’s choice for the position and that there are no qualms among the candidates of the party related to the issue and that they remain united.

Sayson, who is close to Gasataya and Bais, said, in a radio interview, that he respects the decision of Bais in choosing to support Novero.