BACOLOD City Mayor Evelio Leonardia received presidential candidate Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson and his running mate Senate President Vicente Sotto III during their courtesy visit at the Bacolod City Government Center yesterday, May 4.
Lacson and Sotto were accompanied by senatorial candidates Manny Piñol and Minguita Padilla and Lacson-Sotto Support group coordinator for Negros Occidental, Jun Ballesteros, among others.
"Kahit bilyonaryo ang kalaban niya, walang ka talo-talo si Mayor Bing," Ballesteros said, answering Lacson's question on how Leonardia is faring in his campaign.
"The explanation is performance and leadership. Walang substitute. Kasi pag ikaw na reelect for his 18th year today, sure na mag 18 years na si Mayor Bing. Thank you very much for the very warm reception," Lacson said in response.
The mayor, in his introduction of Lacson, said it is rare to have someone that is highly respected in the Senate and respected over the Philippines.
"His integrity is unquestioned because he may be the only senator who doesn't want to get the pork barrel. We are very privileged to have with us today one who is famous in the Philippines and we are very happy with his presence here," Leonardia said.
Sotto, for his part, said "Nagpapasalamat po kami kay Mayor Bing Leonardia for having us and allowing us to pay a courtesy call to him and to the people of Bacolod City."
Leonardia earlier said that Bacolod is an open city and welcomes all presidential aspirants.
But he pointed out that he remains neutral in the presidential race.* (PR)