CAGAYAN de Oro 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez may yet run unopposed when he runs for re-election next year, Vice Mayor Vicente Emano said Thursday.

Emano said over a radio interview that he will be supporting Rodriguez’s re-election bid and will not endorse a candidate under his party to run against Rodriguez.

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“Nihangyo man gud kanako si President Erap (Joseph Estrada) nga kung mahimo tabangan ko si Rufus mao nga sa pagkakaron dako ang posibilidad nga walay kontra si Rufus,” Emano said.

Former City Councilor Benjo Benaldo had run against Rodriguez during the 2007 elections but lost. Benaldo contested the election results, however, and filed a petition for a recount before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Manila. The election protest is still being resolved.

City Councilor Ramon Tabor has also been reported to be among the top choices of Padayon Pilipino to be the party’s bet for the second district congressional seat.

Rodriguez is one of the legal counsels and spokespersons of former President Joseph Estrada. Emano, on the other hand, had long been an Estrada supporter and had announced his support for the former president’s bid in the 2010 presidential elections.

“Magtinabangay kami ni Rufus ug siya na ang bahala kinsa ang iyang itudlo pagka kandidato sa probinsiya ug sa siyudad samtang ako na ang bahala sa pagka mayor paingon sa mga konsehal,” he added.

Rufus had yet to comment on Emano’s claims.

Meanwhile, the vice mayor has also announced that his son, Misamis Oriental 2nd District Representative Yevgeny “Bambi” Emano, is set to leave Lakas-Kampi-CMD party due to unresolved differences with “former friend and ally” Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar Moreno.

The elder Emano has accused Moreno of plotting to have his son removed from the administration party.

“Nangita man gyud siya og paagi nga mawala si Bambi sa Lakas gain morag modesisyon naman kini nga mopahawa sa partido,” he added.

Moreno had gone to Manila for Thursday’s formal declaration of Lakas-Kampi-CMD’s presidential and vice-presidential c where he was also elected vice chair of Lakas-Kampi-CMD Executive Committee. (Annabelle L. Ricalde)