By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Moises Padilla Mayor Magdaleno Peña dispelled rumors he was planning a run for the governorship in 2019.
In a message sent over the weekend, the mayor said he has no such plans of running for the top provincial post.
Additionally, he suggested voters select somebody who is close to President Rodrigo Duterte, especially if they wish to see the Negros Island Region (NIR) reinstated, saying it is still possible to change the president’s mind.
In terms of rumors he may seek the fifth district congressional seat, to be vacated by incumbent Rep. Alejandro Mirasol in 2019, Peña remained mum.
Negros Occidental Provincial Board Member Alain Gatuslao and Himamaylan Mayor Agustin Bascon, Gatuslao’s cousin, are both reportedly eyeing the post./WDJ