BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and his running mate Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer are separately attending the opening salvo of political campaign rallies of their respective allies on March 25, in Negros Occidental.
Lacson yesterday said he will join re-electionist Mayor Mark Golez and his complete line up in attending a mass in Silay City, before proceeding to Escalante City for the opening campaign salvo of Mayor Melecio “Beboy” Yap, which is also expected to be attended by First District Rep. Gerardo Valmayor and re-electionist board member Araceli Somosa and Rommel Debulgado.
Ferrer, on the other hand, will launch his opening salvo as a re-electionist vice governor in his hometown in La Carlota City where he had served as mayor and congressman of the 4th district of Negros Occidental.
By splitting up, Lacson said that they may able to reach many towns and cities of Negros Occidental, as their allies want them to attend their political rallies.
Despite supporting rival presidential candidates, Lacson and Ferrer assured the people of Negros that the coalition of Love Negros and United Negros Alliance remains intact.
Ferrer and 28 Negros Occidental mayors are supporting the tandem of presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, while Lacson, Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr, Sagay City Mayor Alfredo Marañon III and Second District Rep. Rafael Leo Cueva are supporting the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo.
Lacson said he expects an exciting 45 days campaign, starting March 25. At the same time, he called on the Comelec and authorities to ensure orderly, peaceful and honest elections, especially in hotly-contested local government units.
Eighteen towns and cities in Negros Occidental are considered by the Joint Provincial Security Control Center as potential election areas of concerns during the May 9 elections.*
