NegOcc guv endorses councilor for Bacolod mayor

NEGROS Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. surprised more than 3,000 provincial government employees during their Christmas party Friday night at the Capitol grounds when he announced that he is endorsing former city councilor Jocelle Batapa-Sigue as a candidate for mayor in Bacolod City.

He told the Capitol workers, he personally invited Sigue to come to the Christmas party despite the fact that it is her birthday.

She was asked to come to the stage where the governor announced she was his choice for mayor of Bacolod.

Marañon also raised her hand and greeted her a happy birthday.

He said that before the election, many people have approached him why he will not run for mayor of Bacolod.

He said he will not run because his knee is already tired and in pain. “But I will have somebody to run who can help bring in development and progress, and even clean Bacolod City,” Marañon said.

The governor pointed out that the streets near Captel could hardly be cleaned despite of the fact that he already asked the Bacolod officials to clean it up, which clogged up the traffic.

“We have been asking them for the nth time to clear that area. But until now, they have not acted [on it]...I will exhaust everything, with the help of those who will vote in Bacolod City. We will clean Bacolod physically, mentally, and morally,” Marañon said.

For her part, Sigue said: “This is my best birthday gift ever.”

“Governor Marañon, a well-respected and well-recognized for all his work as a public servant through the years, has just endorsed me in front of his employees. I am truly humbled and honored,” she said.