By Paulo Loreto Lim

Bacolod Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya recently revealed he would not be joining the ruling PDP-Laban, amid the earlier announcement of the mass oath taking for the party next month in Victorias City.

“I see no reason to transfer,” he said. “We have been supporting the programs.”

The congressman pointed out, his current party, the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), has a working relationship with the ruling party.

Last week, Negros Occidental Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, also a member of NPC, said he would not be switching party affiliation, citing similar reasons.

In October of 2016, 11 members of Bacolod City political coalition Grupo Progreso (GP), of which Gasataya is also a member, switched allegiances.

Among those joining PDP-Laban were Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, the eight GP councilors, and City Administrator John Orola.

“When you become a PDP-Laban member it means you are an advocate of federalism,” said the mayor, who was previously affiliated with NPC.

According to Negros Occidental third district Rep. Alfredo Benitez, around 9,000 local Negros Occidental officials have already confirmed their participation in the said event./PLL, WDJ