BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Former Rep. John Orola is challenging reelectionist Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson for the gubernatorial post of Negros Occidental, under the banner of PDP-Laban (Cusi Wing) – Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan.
The reason why I decided to run as Governor is, when I served the government in various capacities as local city official, a diplomat, a member of Congress and a City Administrator, it gave me a vision to create landscape for the province that can immediately lead the province to tap various resources and opportunities to address unemployment, poverty and most especially with the pandemic, Orola said.
We need a leader to lead this province, cities and municipalities in bringing all our resources together, that can connect and collaborate with our regional neighbors, various agencies of the government and even with foreign nations, he added.
Lacson yesterday said that Orola has a right to run for public office as part of the democracy.
But the province of Negros Occidental has united, and will continue to unite under his leadership, he stressed.
Almost all the 31 mayors in Negros Occidental, excluding Bacolod City, have expressed their support to the tandem of Lacson and Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer in the next year elections, also they affiliated with rival political groups.
Stressing that he has served the Negrenses to the best of his abilities as governor for more than two years, Lacson said “we can overcome this pandemic and rebuild a better Negros, with the support of Vice Gov, Jeffrey Ferrer, the Sanggunian Panlalawigan, and all the mayors.”
“Our current situation requires unity among us and our leaders. Our efforts should be focused not much on politics but on the task at hand,” he stressed.
Orola, who filed his certificate of candidacy for the position of governor of Negros Occidental shortly before noon yesterday, vowed to introduce a leadership that can create a new landscape of human resources.
He also said that he has not chosen a running mate for the vice gubernatorial position, stressing that he can work with anybody and everybody.
SUPPORT FROM YANSON FAMILY
Orola dismissed as “rumors” on claims that he is being supported by the Yanson Group of Bus Companies matriarch Olivia Yanson.
I didn’t receive any kind of help, from any of the Yanson siblings, or family members, even from the matriarch, he stressed.
I only wish them unity and love for each other, Orola said.
He, however said he would welcome any help in his quest for the top position in the province.*
