Tan: I will likely run for mayor in 2019

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Bacolod City Councilor Ricardo Tan yesterday said there have not been any meetings between himself, former Bacolod City Mayor Monico Puentevella, and Abang Lingkod partylist Rep. Stephen Paduano regarding a rumored alliance ahead of next year’s elections.

The speculated group is projected to oppose Grupo Progreso, led by incumbent Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia.

According to the city councilor, the three met during a recent birthday celebration for Puentevella, but said the event was “purely social” and that he had received an invitation from the former mayor’s son, City Councilor Claudio Jesus ‘Kalaw’ Puentevella.

2016 congressional candidate and former Bacolod City Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, along with the elder Puentevella’s 2016 running mate Vladimir Gonzalez were also present.

In response to rumors circulating about his 2019 political plans, Tan said he would likely run for mayor, noting he has yet to make his plans final.

The city official also clarified he has not officially resigned from Grupo Progreso, although he said he has been left out because of his anti-corruption stance./DGB, WDJ