Guv: Unega line-up 88.5% ready

NEGROS Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. said Wednesday that his party, the United Negros Alliance (Unega), is almost ready with its line-up for the May 2016 elections.

"We are finalizing (our line-up) in every town and city, but we are 88.5 percent ready," the governor said.

The filing of certificate of candidacy for the 2016 elections is set from October 12 to October 16.

On the possibility that he will face an opponent, Marañon, who is seeking a third and final term, said that it is already a given.

"I won't be surprised because in any election you expect some opponent. You cannot say that you will be unopposed. That is the strength of democracy," he added.

Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson of Love Negros had said that he will not challenge the governor's reelection bid. Recently, there have been reports that Abang Lingkod party-list Representative Stephen Paduano may also run for governor.

Marañon said last week that majority of the mayors in the province, including those from rival Love Negros, have confirmed support for him, and also for his running mate Representative Jeffrey Ferrer of the fourth district.

Among the Love Negros members who already pledged support for him are Bago City Mayor Ramon Torres and Vice Mayor Nicholas Yulo, as well as Pulupandan Mayor Miguel Peña.

Love Negros mayors who won't be facing opponents from Unega are Mayor Isidro Zayco of Kabankalan City, Agustin Bascon of Himamaylan City, and also Peña, the governor had earlier said.

Moreover, Marañon said that he will not join the Liberal Party despite his support for the tandem of former Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and Camarines Sur Representative Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo for president and vice president, respectively.

"I'm already contended with Unega so I'll just stick to it," the governor said.

Meanwhile, Marañon said the conflict between fifth district Representative Alejandro Mirasol and Binalbagan Mayor Emmanuel Aranda, who are former allies, is already irreconcilable.

Mirasol's wife Mary Ann has already declared that she is running for mayor against Aranda in 2016.

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