Gatuslao gives way to Arroyo sis-in-law, too

NEGROS Occidental Second District Board Member Salvador Escalante Jr. confirmed Tuesday, October 16, that Board Member Alain Gatuslao will not run for congressman in the Fifth District anymore as he is also giving way to Maria Lourdes “Marilou” Arroyo-Lesaca.

His cousin, Himamaylan City Mayor Agustin Bascon of Love Negros, also decided to run for board member to give way to Arroyo-Lesaca’s congressional bid.

Escalante, secretary-general of the United Negros Alliance (Unega), said the development came after the talks between the Gatuslao and Arroyo families, which, he said, was successful.

The Gatuslaos especially the father of the board member, former assemblyman Antonio Gatuslao, is very close to the Arroyo family as he has served as the legislative-executive officer of former president and now House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, sister-in-law of Arroyo-Lesaca.

Escalante said Gatuslao may file his certificate of candidacy for his reelection Wednesday, October 17.

Escalante also said that Gatuslao gave way to Arroyo-Lesaca because of friendship and the working relationship of his father with the former president.

Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. also confirmed Tuesday he is supporting Arroyo-Lesaca who is running under Unega.

Love Negros is also supporting the congressional bid of Arroyo-Lesaca.