Tuesday, November 27, 2007 172 village chiefs to back Ong as Liga prexy By Jay Dooma Balnig
WHILE several names floated as possible contenders for president of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) in Iloilo city, report has it that more or less 172 barangay captains have already pledged their support to a single candidate endorsed by city executives.
One of the potential candidates, Barangay Captain Roberto Divinagracia of Barangay San Agustin, City Proper, said during an interview that Representative Raul Gonzalez Jr. and Mayor Jerry Treñas have already endorsed Irene Ong from Barangay President Roxas, City Proper, during the November 11, 2007 meeting held at Grand Hotel.
The outgoing and incoming barangay executives in the city attended the meeting.
Divinagracia said the city executives' choice is strongly backed by the barangay captains and has all the advantage.
Gonzalez during a previous interview said he is expecting at least three or four contenders for the post.
Benjamin Juaneza of San Isidro, Jaro; Steve Abitang of Santa Cruz, Arevalo; Emilio Locsin of Baluarte, Molo; and Rafael Palmares Jr. of Magsaysay Villege, Lapaz are in the candidates' list.
There was no endorsement for Sangguniang Kabataan Federation president yet.
Meanwhile, Councilman Antonio Pesina, who recently declared his daughter's candidacy, vowed to sue Councilor Julienne Baronda, a former SK federation president, if she decides to pursue a planned seminar for the SK.
The SK Alumni allegedly organized the three-day get-together live-in seminar, scheduled from November 30 to December 2.
Pesina alleged that the seminar does not only aim to acquaint SK leaders, but also to advance Baronda's personal interest.
Baronda, like other city councilors, has a kin who won as SK chairman. Pesina alleged that other than lectures and activities, a campaign might also happen.
