BY CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
Bacolod Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran yesterday said he respects the decision of Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya to run solo as the official candidate of the Nationalist People’s Coalition for congressman in Bacolod City.
Gasataya earlier announced that he will remain neutral between incumbent Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia, who is also a member of NPC, and former Neg. Occ. 3rd District congressman Albee Benitez.
Familiaran said the way he understands it, Leonardia is not fielding a congressional candidate against Gasataya.
Leonardia, in a radio interview, said that during a talk with Gasataya, the solon promised to remain neutral until election day. He also informed the vice mayor and barangay captains about Gasataya’s decision.
There are no ill feelings towards each other, the mayor said.
“We have no plans to field a candidate against Gasataya. That is our interpretation,” Leonardia added.
Gasataya, who is running for his last term as congressman, said both Leonardia and Benitez are his godfathers during his wedding and that both are significant to his personal and political journey. So he will stay neutral.*
