BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Vice-Governor Jeffrey Ferrer yesterday said that he expects more mayors in the province, to come out and express their full support to his and Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson’s re-election bid in May next year.
This also developed as more mayors in Negros Occidental openly expressed earlier their support to the Lacson-Ferrer tandem which included La Castellana Mayor Rhumyla Nicor-Mangilimutan, Murcia Mayor Gerardo Rojas, EB Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon, Binalbagan Mayor Alejandro Mirasol, Salvador Benedicto Mayor Marxlen dela Cruz, Himamaylan City Mayor Raymond Tongson, Silay City Mayor Mark Golez and San Carlos City Mayor Renato Gustilo.
Ferrer, who is the United Negros Alliance (UNegA) president, yesterday said that he respects the decision of any individual, whatever their plans, in next year’s elections.
He did not issue further comments, when asked for his reaction to claims that former Bacolod Rep. John Orola, who is now a registered voter of Salvador Benedicto, may challenge Lacson in the gubernatorial race.
Orola earlier said that his decision may be known after the PDP-Laban convention (Cusi faction) in Negros Occidental, which is reportedly scheduled on Sept. 4.
“Let’s wait for the filing (of certificates of candidacy in October),” Ferrer said, stressing that although Orola “is a family friend” , his relationship with Lacson remains solid.
While belonging to rival political groups, Lacson and Ferrer were partners during the 2019 elections. Ferrer yesterday thanked the mayors for their commitment to support him and Lacson.*
