Local Vote: Negros Occidental, Leyte, Northern Samar

“Local Vote” is Rappler’s weekly wrap-up of news on political developments and alignments in cities, municipalities, and provinces across the Philippines. These reports are filed by our reporters, correspondents, and reliable sources from the localities and political parties.

*** 

Lacson mulls gubernatorial bid in Negros Occidental

BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental – With Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr shutting the door on the possibility of a unity ticket with Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, the latter now has to contemplate whether to be safe and run for re-election in 2016 or challenge the re-electionist governor instead.

Lacson said that he is “open to all possibilities” but his “priority is [to run] for vice governor,” that’s why his Love Negros was “hoping for a merger” with Marañon’s United Negros Alliance.

“But right now, it’s a total different ballgame. There is pressure from the members for me to run for the highest post,” the vice governor said.

Love Negros is headed by 3rd District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, who is the provincial chairman of the Liberal Party, but has been absent from major party gatherings for LP standard-bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, whom Marañon is supporting.

While Lacson said he is a party man and would abide by what the members decide, there are a lot of things to be considered first if his party fields him for governor. Running against an incumbent is not a joke, he said, pointing out that Marañon and running mate 4th District Representative Jeffrey Ferrer have bailiwicks to count on.

But nothing is impossible, Lacson added.

Given the failed merger talks, will the provincial board which he presides continue to be cooperative with the executive?

“We will not be obstructionist. We will continue to be supportive and vigilant. We have proven in the last two years that we are sincere, we won’t destroy it in the last year. We want to be remembered as the provincial board that is part of the progress of the province,” Lacson said. – Marchel Espina/Rappler.com

***

Businessman to challenge Apostol as Leyte congressman

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte – A 43-year-old businessman, Henry Ong, has declared he will challenge re-electionist and longtime Leyte 2^nd District Representative Sergio Apostol of the Liberal Party next year.

Ong is the brother of Carigara Mayor Eduardo Ong of the Nationalist People’s Coaliton (NPC), who defeated Apostol’s daughter in the last election. Until then, Carigara was considered the bailiwick of the Apostols.

“I might not have political experience, but I have a heart for people, especially the poor and needy, and I promise to bring back the bright lights not only in Carigara but in the entire towns of the second district of Leyte,” Ong said.

The second district of Leyte includes the towns of Barugo, Burauen, Carigara, Capoocan, Dulag, Dagami, Jaro, Julita, Tabon tabon, Tolosa, Mayorga, Mac Arthur, La Paz, and Pastrana. – Jazmin Bonifacio/Rappler.com

***

Ong brothers aim to exchange posts in Northern Samar

CATARMAN, Northern Samar – Representative Emil Ong, who is on his last term, is set to run for governor of Northern Samar, to replace his brother Jose Ong. Jose will, in turn, run for congressman.

Congressman Ong, who is the provincial chair of the National Unity Party, also recently reconciled with former Representative Raul Daza of the Liberal Party, so they can work together for the campaign of LP standard-bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II in the province. Daza is the chairman of Roxas’ party in the Eastern Visayas.

Daza is eyeing a congressional comeback in the first district in 2016. He was defeated in 2013 by Harlin Abayon, a close ally of Ong.

Abayon, on the other hand, has not disclosed his political plans. – Jazmin Bonifacio/Rappler.com