NEGROS Occidental Third District Board member David Albert Lacson said yesterday it will be a friendly fight between best friends in EB Magalona after he filed his certificate of candidacy for mayor.
He is challenging his best friend and former ally, incumbent Mayor Marvin Malacon.
Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. and vice gubernatorial candidate Jeffrey Ferrer accompanied Lacson and his vice mayoralty candidate, Hope Marey Depasucat, in the filing of their COCs yesterday.
Lacson's candidates for Sangguniang Bayan members include Noel Resuma, Romel Mogul, Mario Salcedo, Danilo Danico, Virgilio Montero, Joey Abonales and Anton Magalona.
Lacson said he decided to run against Malacon after they failed to agree on the composition of the candidates for SB members.
"He had his line-up of councilors and I have my own set, too. Mayor Marvin and I did not agree on the set-up. So I decided to run for mayor," he said.
Lacson said he has already agreed to run for vice Mayor to Malacon after an arrangement was made by Third District Representative Alfredo Benitez.
Lacson also said he expects his political match against Malacon, whom he considers as still a friend, to be peaceful and friendly.
"I had hoped that the unity in the provincial level could be replicated in E.B. Magalona but it did not work out," he said.
Lacson also revealed he has now the support of his two cousins, Murcia Mayor Andrew Montelibano and former board member Patrick Lacson.
"I am very happy that our family is now at least intact," he pointed out.
“May the best man win. I leave it to the hands of the people to decide for us,” Lacson added.