• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, who is affiliated with Love Negros, yesterday agreed with top officials of the United Negros Alliance that the coalition of two local political groups is getting stronger.
Lacson, who was invited to attend the UNegA assembly during the Pasalamat Festival in La Carlota City on April 30, said he does not feel awkward when being asked to administer the oath taking of new UNegA members.
Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer, the UNegA president, asked Lacson to administer the oath taking of Pulupandan Vice Mayor Anthony Gerard Suatengco as a new UNegA member. However, Lacson was not able to make it, as he was in Hinobaan.
On the positive side, Lacson said “it shows how we the value the coalition,” as he recalled that in previous occasions, he also administered the oath taking of new UNegA members, even if he belongs to Love Negros.
The UNegA – Love Negros coalition started in 2019, through the efforts of the late Gov. Alfredo Maranon Jr. and Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, where they fielded Lacson as governor and Ferrer as vice governor, a tandem that was carried on during the 2022 elections.
“There is really a very strong coalition that they even invite a Love Negros (member) to do the oath taking,” Lacson stressed, as he described it as a “positive gesture.”
Members of the UNegA and Love Negros renewed their camaraderie on April 30 in La Carlota City.
“It is a confirmation that the coalition is getting stronger” UNegA secretary general and Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., said.*
