BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer yesterday called on newly appointed Sugar Regulatory Administration board member Aurelio Gerardo Valderrama to resign from his post “if he still holds an iota of delicadeza.”
Ferrer said that Valderrama was known as a hard core “pink supporter,” and uttered unfavorable remarks against the President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the campaign period.
Valderrama, who admitted of openly supporting the presidential bid of then Vice President Leni Robredo, took his oath of office recently before Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, also a strong ally of Marcos Jr.
Ferrer, who led the presidential campaign of Marcos Jr. in Negros Occidental during the May 9 elections, reiterated that his concern is to protect PBBM, as far as the appointment of Valderrama as the new SRA acting Board member, representing the planters is concerned.
“As a loyal supporter, leader, friend, a family and the President’s Personal Adviser, I will protect him especially in choosing the right leader for the sugar industry who are truly deserving of President’s appointment.” Ferrer said in a statement.
He admitted endorsing former Murcia Mayor Esteban “Sonny” Coscolluela, who acted as spokesman of Marcos campaign in Negros, and Dave Alba, Asociacion de Agricultores de La Carlota y Pontevedra general manager, to be appointed to the top SRA positions, to President Marcos Jr.
“I am here to Protect BBM and the BBM supporters in Negros, whose sentiment is likewise paramount on this matter”, Ferrer said, stressing also “a good and healthy working relationship with the President is crucial, not just based on the qualification and experience that he has, as a sugar planter.”
Ferrer added that he will never forget Valderrama’s foul words against him, in text messages, that provoked him.
If you have time now, be a gentleman enough. Step down from the post for the sake of delicadeza. You don’t deserve to be in that position. Show some respect to the President and to yourself, he said, apparently referring to Valderrama.
Valderrama clarified that he did not seek for the position, nor entertained the possibility of getting it.*
