Wednesday, February 28, 2007 'Zona Libre' possible in 3rd district By Nicolas C. Delfin
INCUMBENT Third District Representative Carlos "Kako" Lacson said Tuesday the possibility of a "free zone" in the third district for members of the Lakas Party and Kabalikat ng Mamamayang Pilipino (Kampi) party of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Earlier, Negros Occidental Governor Joseph Marañon said the first district could also be a "free zone" for all Nationalists People's Coalition (NPC) members.
The party though is yet to resolve the conflict between their members especially in San Carlos City where incumbent Mayor Eugenio Jose Lacson supported former Congressman Julio Ledesma instead of incumbent First District Representative Tranquilino Carmona.
Carmona is also fielding Board Member Elmero Layumas for the mayoralty position in the city.
On the other hand, Lacson's former allies under the Lakas Party took oath recently under the Kampi party of Arroyo.
They were Mayors Alfonso Gamboa of E.B. Magalona, Carlo Gamban of Silay City, Anthony Lizares of Talisay City and Mayor Esteban Cosculluela of Murcia town.
Asked for comment on the sudden shift, Lacson said, "It does not bother me because I also have my own list and slate of candidates. Besides, I don't want to indulge in that (talks)."
The solon then fielded his list of mayoralty candidates to include David Lacson in E.B. Magalona, Ramon Lacson in Talisay City, Jose Oti Montelibano in Silay City and a surprise candidate in Murcia.
Asked for comments with regards to incumbent 3rd District Board Member Reynaldo Depasucat's congressional bid, Lacson said although he is not on the campaign mode yet, he always consider his opponents worthy of the honor.
Meanwhile, aside from the two districts, the Hinobaan town was also declared a "free zone" for United Negros Alliance (UNA) candidates as disclosed by former Congressman Genaro Alvarez.
Alvarez was recently given by Marañon a blanket authority to nominate candidates for his district.
