THE Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) staged a “show of force” at the first district for Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez and former San Carlos City mayor Eugenio Lacson, the party's candidate for governor and vice governor, respectively, in the May 2013 polls.
The barangay assembly held at the San Carlos City Gym last Saturday was led by Negros Occidental first district Representative Jules Ledesma.
Also present at the assembly were third district Representative Alfredo Benitez, Representative Mercedes Alvarez (6th district), Board Member Rene Gustilo who is up for re-election, as well as former Escalante City mayor Rolando Ponsica, who is an NPC bet for board member in the first district.
Former Revolutionary Proletariat Army (RPA) national commander Stephen Paduano, alias "Carapali Lualhati," the number one nominee of Abang Lingkod, which is seeking a seat in Congress via the party-list route, was also present.
Three senatorial candidates -- Grace Poe, Chiz Escudero and Bam Aquino -- also attended the barangay assembly.
Ledesma's wife, actress Assunta de Rossi-Ledesma, was also present together with the mayoralty bets of the NPC in the province’s first district.
Local police estimated the jam-packed crowd in the auditorium to be about 4,000 to 5,000.
The delegation came from the towns of Don Salvador Benedicto led by mayoralty bet lawyer Jomax Ortiz, Toboso contingent led by Ma. Luisa de la Cruz, Calatrava with re-electionist mayor Araceli Somosa and the cities of San Carlos and Escalante with incumbent Mayors Jinggo Valmayor and Melecio Yap, respectively.
Ledesma reiterated his support to Alvarez and Lacson and called on his constituents to afford whatever support they have for him to the duo.
LP 100% behind Alvarez-Lacson
For his part, Benitez, who is the provincial chairman of the Liberal Party (LP), reiterated his support to Alvarez and Lacson.
He categorically denied talks that LP is no longer supporting the duo.
"It is not true. The LP is still 100 percent in support for Alvarez and Lacson," Benitez said.
Paduano, who also took the stage, debunked reports that his group, the RPA, has transferred their support to the opponents of the duo.
Landslide victory
Meanwhile, San Carlos City mayor Valmayor assured not only victory but a landslide for Alvarez and Lacson, noting that the latter is a former mayor of his locality.
Valmayor, who is unopposed in his re-election bid, said he will deliver the votes for the two.
"It will be a landslide victory for Alvarez and Lacson and the NPC slate here in San Carlos City," he said, adding that San Carlos City has 72,000 voters.
Escalante City Mayor Yap, for his part, said he will do his best for the duo to win in his locality, though he cannot assure a landslide.
Somosa, Ortiz and de la Cruz also vowed to deliver the votes for the duo in their respective municipalities. (TDE)