• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
If Negros Occidental Board Member Anton Occeño is right, Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo will likely have an opponent in the 5th district congressional race in next year’s elections.
Occeño, who represents 5th district of Negros Occidental in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, disclosed a possibility of a political battle between incumbent Rep. Yulo and Dina Arroyo Tantoco, the daughter of the late Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo.
He revealed yesterday that Tantoco, a registered voter of Isabela town, may transfer her residency to Brgy. Robles in La Castellana, where a hacienda owned by her husband’s family is located.
Occeño confirmed that Tantoco has been going around local government units of the 5th district. However, as of this time, he said that there is no statement yet from Tantoco to confirm, or deny the rumor.
Yulo defeated incumbent Rep. Marilou Arroyo, the aunt of Tantoco, in the 5th district congressional race of the 2022 elections.
Occeño, who confirmed his intention to seek reelection as 5th district board member, said he will remain as an independent candidate, although he is a member of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas.*
