Following reports last month claiming Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. was considering leaving the Liberal Party (LP), where he serves as provincial chairman, for the ruling PDP-Laban, the governor recently confirmed his decision to switch allegiances.

Defensor claimed it would be difficult for the province to receive key projects if he were not aligned with the ruling party.
He is reportedly discussing plans for an oath-taking ceremony with Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III.
Last month, the governor claimed he received an open invitation from House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, who was in Iloilo to officiate the oath of allegiance for over 4,000 Iloilo officials joining PDP-Laban, including Guimaras Governor Samuel Gumarin, who was previously a member of the LP.
Defensor insisted, “You cannot accuse me of being an opportunist, I was invited.”
The governor added he received the blessing of 2016 LP candidate for president Mar Roxas, saying, “He assured me this will not affect our longstanding friendship.”/WDJ