Thursday, February 08, 2007
Uy claiming PMP support for bid
SOURCES close to Vice Governor Julio Uy claimed that the official is set to formally join the Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) as its gubernatorial bet in the province anytime next week.
The report came amid continued attempts by Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar Moreno to invite Uy into his lineup as a vice gubernatorial candidate, an offer the latter has rejected for sometime.
Sun.Star tried to contact Moreno through Provincial Information Officer Maricel Casiño-Rivera, who said the governor will issue his statement on this political development sometime Thursday.
"He is in a meeting with some people but he will (issue his statement) at the proper time," Rivera said. Former President Joseph Estrada, whose support Uy is actively courting, heads the PMP.
Mayor Vicente Emano, who is convincing Uy to give up his gubernatorial bid, earlier stated that he didn't seek the endorsement of former President Estrada for the vice governor's gubernatorial campaign.
The mayor said he merely facilitated a meeting between Uy and Estrada in Manila.
Pushing for an Estrada endorsement of Uy, he said, would be tantamount to "swimming in two bancas" adding that he already aligned himself with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
PMP officials are said to be preparing an opposition ticket in Misamis Oriental to face off against the administration Lakas and Kampi party representatives.
Uy said the PMP endorsement won't affect his position as Padayon Pilipino provincial coordinator, explaining that the Padayon Pilipino had always been an opposition party.
These sources who requested anonymity quoted the vice-governor as saying "he has no other option but to join the opposition" reasoning that there is no opposition party in Misamis Oriental.
As standard-bearer, Uy may put up a complete opposition ticket under the PMP-UNO banner.
"Putting up a complete opposition ticket is not a problem since I have already formed a complete line-up. I will make announcement when the proper time comes," Uy added.
Uy split with Moreno over what he claimed to be corruption charges leveled on the governor's administration, which Moreno said had been disproved already by exit conferences with the Commission on Audit (COA).
Should the endorsement push through, the gubernatorial battle in the province is seen to turn into a three-cornered fight, with Moreno seeking reelection and Misamis Oriental Second District Augusto Baculio also gunning for the post. (Stephen Capillas)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Iloilo. (February 8, 2007 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
