• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
In the wake of the realignment of political parties at the national level, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday said that the political coalition in Negros Occidental is “very strong,” apparently referring to that of Love Negros and the United Negros Alliance.
The Nationalist People’s Coalition, where Lacson is affiliated, and the National Unification Party recently formalized their alliance with the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“I think the lines are being drawn already,” Lacson said, referring to the PFP of the incumbent administration and that of the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino, which former President Rodrigo Duterte heads.
Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, PDP provincial party chairman, and about 60 other members have recently resigned from the political party.
“We don’t know which party they will align with,” Lacson said.
What is important the coalition in Negros Occidental remains strong, he stressed.
Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. earlier said that he and Manapla Mayor Manuel “Manolet” Escalante, are rejoining their old political party, Lakas CMD, which also coalesced with the PFP of President Marcos.
The two Escalantes are also PDP members.
Asked if some Negros Occidental elected officials, are also contemplating joining the PFP, Lacson said “I can’t tell.”*
