Chapter spokesperson recognizes Bigcas as LP member

THE original members of Liberal Party-Bukidnon Chapter (LP-BC) attested on Wednesday that controversial car dealer Lynard Allan Bigcas is part of LP.

The party’s spokesperson, who refused to be named, admitted that the chapter invited Bigcas and urged him to run as governor of Bukidnon against Jose Ma. Zubiri who is the incumbent vice governor.

He said Zubiri just made an alliance with Senator Teofisto Guingona III and Neric Acosta but “was never a recognized member.”

“The original members of LP in the province who are running against Zubiri in next year’s election were not given the certificate of nomination form in order for Zubiri to be untouchable,” he said.

He said they already brought the issue to Malacañang to settle the problem and for them to know who will become the official bearer of LP.

“There are many parties claiming to be LP members,” he said.

On Sunday, Bigcas announced his plans of running for governor of Bukidnon under the LP.

Bigcas became controversial after he was linked to alleged smuggling of luxury motorcycles and vehicles. But Guingona said Tuesday that Bigcas is not a member of LP.

Guingona’s denial of Bigcas has reportedly caused commotion among the members of LP-BC who had long been part of the party being allegedly claimed by Zubiri.

To avoid conflict, Bigcas reportedly filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) Tuesday at the Commission on Elections in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon under the Action Demokratikong Pilipino party of the late Senator Raul Roco.

The spokesperson said Bigcas is no longer a part of their lineup.

He, however, said they have yet to come up with the official list of candidates as they are still waiting for the final decision from Malacañang today, Thursday.

“So we still have until Friday to file our COCs. If we are deprived of our right to use the LP, we will file our COCs under Action Demokratikong Pilipino party but we will always be an LP by heart and by principle,” he said.

He said Bigcas will still be their bet for governor as they want to effect change in Bukidnon and to stop Zubiri’s “long reign.”

In a phone interview, Zubiri only laughed at the accusations. He said he is not an official LP member but has an alliance with the party.

Zubiri said he is not at all threatened, citing he has done many things for Bukidnon.

“My constituents are not stupid to believe in their lies. That’s why I will run again as governor because I want to finish what I had started for Bukidnon. I may not be good in advertising my accomplishments but when you go to our province, you can see the different trophies for good governance displayed, a proof that I have complied my duty as a public servant to my people. Let them run. May the best man win in next year’s election,” he said.