Leonardia, Sayson, Gasataya are LP-NPC official bets

MAYOR Evelio Leonardia, Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson and Greg Gasataya have been declared official candidates for congressman, mayor and vice-mayor of the Liberal Party (LP)-Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) coalition, respectively.

Senator Franklin Drilon, LP chairperson, said that since LP and NPC have a coalition, so Leoardia, Sayson and Gasataya are the coalition's official candidates in the city for the May 13 elections.

He said, however, that since he is not yet aware of the political situation in Bacolod City, he could not yet confirm the endorsement for the whole team (those running for councilors) of Leonardia's Grupo Progreso.

"For now, it's just Bing, Sayson and their vice mayor," Drilon said.

Drilon said that on February 22, Friday, Team Pinoy is coming to Bacolod and that Leonardia is going to receive them for the rally.

Drilon could not yet confirm the arrival of President Benigno Aquino III on February 22, although it was already confirmed by Assistant Secretary Rolando Cusio of the Office of Presidential Assistant on Political Affairs that the President is coming to personally campaign here for Team PNoy.

Meanwhile, Pambansang Kamao, Representative Manny Pacquiao confirmed his support and endorsement for Leonardia and the whole team of NPC-Grupo Progreso.

He said he has been supportive of his “Kumpare Bing” since the last election and up to this coming election.

Pacquiao raised the hands of Leonardia and his whole team last Saturday to further confirm his endorsement and support.

Pacquiao and Drilon were in Bacolod City last Saturday, February 15, to serve as godfathers to the 2,013 couples who exchanged vows in a mass wedding officiated by Leonardia at the Bacolod City Government Center.

The mass wedding, dubbed as "2,013 in 2013", is believed to be the largest such event in the entire country.

Other sponsors in the mass wedding were Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson and senatorial candidates Jamby Madrigal and Risa Hontiveros-Baraquil.

Pacquiao, who proved himself a crowd drawer, comfortably accommodated picture takings, as well as hugs and kisses from fans and followers inside the office of Leonardia while waiting for the ceremony to start.

Pacquiao, who is unopposed in his second term, said he will also campaign for Leonardia if there is time, as he is campaigning for his wife Jinkee, who is running for vice governor in Sarangani.

Asked for comment, Leonardia said he believes the endorsement of Drilon and Pacquiao to members of Grupo Progreso will make their party and candidacies zoom ahead.

"That is a big-time endorsement from the two political giants. With Senator Drilon on our side, it means a lot and an outright advantage. The Manny Pacquiao factor is beyond measure. The far and wide effects of these explosive endorsements will surely make Grupo Progreso zoom ahead," he said.

He said they are very grateful to the LLP for joining forces with the NPC.

He also thanked his compadre, Pacquiao, for his very strong personal endorsement.

"I thank him and also to Senator Drilon," Leonardia said. (TDE/CNC)