BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday said that he and Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer are hoping that Board Member Ernesto Agustin Bascon will continue to seek for re-election as a member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, in the next year election.
Bascon earlier said that he will announce decision if he will run for mayor of Himamaylan City, before the filing of certificate of candidacy, which is slated in the first week of October.
While it will be an ideal situation, Lacson said “but then again, that’s a decision to be made by Board Member Bascon”.
Bascon is affiliated with Love-Negros, while incumbent Himamaylan City Mayor Raymond Tongson is a member of United Negros Alliance.
Lacson said that they have already completed their line up in the provincial level, from governor, vice governor to board members, except for the 5th district, as they are still waiting the decision of Bascon, if he will seek re-election or not.
Eleven mayors, who either affiliated with Love Negros and United Negros Alliance, and the Philippine Councilor’s League- Negros Occidental chapter, have expressed their support to the Lacson-Ferrer tandem.
Should there will be a vacancy for the 5th district at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, he said that they will recommend somebody.
UNegA secretary general Salvador Escalante earlier said that Toboso and Isabela will be declared as “free zones” during the May next year elections, as the clash between UNegA and Love Negros candidates for local positions are inevitable, following deaths of Mariano (Marton) Cui and former Isabela Mayor Renato Malabor Sr.
Asked if Himamaylan City will also be declared as a free zone, should Bascon decide to run for mayor, Lacson said “we have not reach that decision yet”.
He added that they will wait for the decision of Board Member Bascon. “We will only react, or act accordingly, after he makes a decision”, Lacson said.
There are 18 mayors who are Love Negros members.
Lacson said Love Negros will soon have a meeting among their leaders, including mayors, to discuss the May elections next year.*
