BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
La Carlota City Councilor Julius Martin Asistio yesterday won the presidency of the Philippine Councilors League – Negros Occidental chapter, despite an unexpected challenged from Binalbagan Councilor Jerry Yulo.
A common candidate of Love Negros and United Negros Alliance for the position, Asistio got 270 votes, while his opponent, Yulo, garnered 28 votes.
Also elected as vice president was Silay City Councilor Ryan Gamboa.
Escalante City Councilor Virgie Pastor also won the position as secretary general by garnering 195 votes, she defeated Hinobaan’s Jodybone Octavio, who got 92 votes.
Toboso Councilor Richard Jaojoco was also unopposed for the position as treasurer, Himamaylan City Councilor Janet Villafranca as auditor, Talisay City Councilor Rolin Robert Meliton – business manager and Victorias City Councilor Audie Malaga – public relations officer.
Elected to the board of directors were Bobby Barrido Sr., Rey Cordero, Mikaela Escalante, Aurelio Garita II, Victor Michael Javellana, Philip Gerald Maisog and Jason Tupas.
Asistio will sit as ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental, replacing Gamboa, who agreed earlier to the suggestion of Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, to slide down to the position as vice president.
Asistio is expected to have his first appearance at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan regular session today, and was supported by his parents, Fourth District Rep. Juliet Marie Ferrer and Negros Occidental Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer.
The election, held at the L’Fisher in Bacolod City, was attended by all the councilors of Negros Occidental and representatives of the Department of Interior and Local Government.*
