NEGROS Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. clarified on Friday, October 12, that the merger between his group, United Negros Alliance, and Love Negros, is only for the top two positions in the province so more developments on political rivalries in some areas will happen.
"At the end of the day after October 17, there will be some areas where political rivalries could happen," the governor said.
Among the localities, according to Marañon, with rivalries are Toboso, Binalbagan, Silay City.
There are also reports that incumbent mayors could expect opponents like E.B. Magalona where there are still persistent reports that Board Member David Albert Lacson will oppose incumbent Mayor Marvin Malacon despite the earlier pronouncements that he will run in tandem with Malacon.
The same thing is likely to happen in La Castellana, Isabela, Moises Padilla and Escalante City, he said.
Marañon said that Moises Padilla Vice Mayor Ella Garcia-Yulo will run for mayor despite that she is now detained for charges on illegal possession of firearms. "We expect her to bail out. In some cases, detention may have some advantage like getting sympathy votes," the governor said.
Meanwhile, Marañon said he can vouch that Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, a gubernatorial candidate, is not a drug protector.
"I don't know of the others who are being dragged to the issue but I know Lacson and I can vouch for him," the governor said.
He said he is confident of Lacson to lead the province as shown on his attitude of being sincere and who would listen to suggestions.
Marañon said he will go with Lacson and vice gubernatorial bet former Fourth District representative Jeffrey Ferrer when they file their certificate of candidacy on October 16, along with other provincial candidates.