CANDABA -- Former Transportation and Communication assistant secretary Rene Maglanque assured residents here that there will be a "common candidate" for congressman from this town in the 2010 elections.

Maglanque recently disclosed that unification talks are ongoing between him and Board Member Ricardo Yabut. "Hindi ko papayagang maglaban kami, isa lamang ang pweding humabol sa amin," he said.

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Yabut earlier rejected Maglanque's suggestion for him to withdraw from congressional race. Instead, Yabut remains firm on his plan to go for the fourth district congressional post to unseat congresswoman Anna York Bondoc-Sagum.

The decision was made by Yabut despite Maglanque's declaration that he will run for the same post in congress.

However, residents here said that if negotiations between the camps of Maglanque and Yabut will fail, it will be impossible for them to beat Bondoc, considering the latter's old supporters are "intact."

"Kung hati ang boto ng mga taga Candaba, mahihirapang manalo kahit sino sa dalawa, pareho lang silang walang mapapala at baka hindi na talaga magkakaroon ng mambabatas na taga Candaba," one of the residents here said.

The residents also pointed out that if Maglanque and Yabut cannot unite themselves, they should not expect "solid votes" from Candaba. (Herbert Mapiles)