Five individuals were recently sharing intriguing stories over coffee at the Metro Inn when the subject came to the next set of elected officials set to run in 2019.
A retired teacher said former Negros Occidental fifth district Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer would be the best bet for vice governor. They referred to the 2016 vice gubernatorial candidate as a “new young face” and “not a problem with corruption.”
“He does not need to pocket the funds of government since he is well-off,” the teacher added.
A lawyer echoed the call for a “young” candidate and suggested incumbent Negros Occidental Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson as the next governor, calling him a “a kind individual” with a “love for the underprivileged.”
“At least, he is not arrogant and bossy,” said a retired banker. “It’s his time.”
“He should not focus on self-gain – like the others,” added a priest.
“If there are other candidates, [I am] hoping they are not the siblings of older politicians,” the lawyer pointed out. “Enough is enough.”
He went on to call current Negros Occidental third district Rep. Alfredo Benitez the “best” for the Senate.
“This province will have representation in the upper house,” they added.
The banker added, “It is time for him to help the province, just like what [Senator Franklin Drilon] did for Iloilo.
“If [Benitez] runs but does not win, he will still be the ‘king player’ of the province,” the lawyer asserted. “His support for [Lacson] and [Ferrer] will play a good role, just like his plans to run a candidate for Bacolod City mayor.”
The banker said past candidates will take a stab at taking back their former mayoral positions, namely Dr. Eric Saratan of Talisay City, Jose Montelibano of Silay City, and David Lacson of EB Magalona. With regard to the latter, they noted, incumbent EB Magalona Mayor Marvin M. Malacon “has not been a warm hand to his constituents” and could see a tough challenge from Lacson.
The teacher said Saratan would have a difficult time against incumbent Talisay City Mayor Neil Lizares III, calling him a “good performer;” while the lawyer said, “People see [incumbent Silay City Mayor Mark Golez] as a good mayor, but his surrounding family circle must take care so that he will not be affected.”
The banker said Cadiz City will remain in the hands of the Escalantes, while Victorias City Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca is “doing well.”
He said the “great fight” will be in Bacolod City, where incumbent Mayor Evelio Leonardia will “test his magic wand” against a heavily-backed unknown rival.
For Iloilo City, the lawyer said incumbent Mayor Jose Espinosa III is “too much bothered” by the plans of his brother-in-law, Iloilo City lone district Rep. Jerry P. Treñas, who intends to challenge him for mayor.
“Ilonggos are p***ed off with Jerry’s plan,” the banker replied. “He has no heart to give way [for] Mayor Joe to continue his mayoral performance.”
“One can only imagine the power and influence wielded by a mayor,” the teacher said. “That is why many are hungry to become one.”
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This column greets Francis Chu, Jojo Castro, Troy Camarista, Mae Panes, Ping Jimenea, Ray Gomez, Natalie Lim, Nico Velasquez, Alfonso Tan, Toto Cua Locsin, Roland Jubilag, Faye Ramos, Cristine Tomas, Mary Ann Salvacion, and Nino Lizares./WDJ