OFFICIALS belonging to the United Negros Alliance (Unega) held a 'bonding' activity and it showed the party is still a force in the coming elections.

Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante, Secretary General of Unega said that the bonding was made because it was not held as a Christmas Party in December.

Former Governor Alfredo Maranon led the occasion with incumbent Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer.

Escalante also confirmed that two mayors who left the party did not attend but mayors of Himamaylan Raymond Gatuslao and Ella Garcia Yulo of Moises Padilla who are new members were present.

Hinobaan mayor Ernesto Estrao and Candoni mayor Ceciro Borromeo have been reported to have already joined Love-Negros.

“It's their choice, we respect that," Escalante said.

Unega and Love-Negros are two formidable local political parties but they have forged a merger in the last May 2019 elections.

Elections were not discussed during the gathering, Escalante said.

It was just a gathering and Marañon showed he is doing well and that the former governor emphasized that the party will continue to exist even though he is no longer in public office.

Escalante said all the member mayors have attended the gathering including vice mayors and some councilors and barangay officials.

The gathering was held last Friday, January 24 at Nature's Village Hotel in Talisay City.