By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Amid speculation surrounding a possible run for Bacolod City mayor in 2019, Abang Lingkod partylist Rep. Stephen Paduano revealed he transferred his voter registration to Bacolod City.

In a press conference held after completing his registration with the Commission on Elections, he called Bacolod City his “true residency” and, after previously being registered in EB Magalona, said it was “more convenient” to vote in the city.

“It is more comfortable for me,” he added.

The party-list legislator explained it used to take 30 minutes to get to the said town, along with another two hours of waiting.

With regard to 2019, Paduano said he has yet to make a decision between challenging incumbent Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia or seek a third term in congress; however, he affirmed, if he were to seek local office, it would be mayor.

He also admitted to an “informal discussion” about local politics when he attended a recent birthday party for former Bacolod City Mayor Monico Puentevella.

Earlier this month, Bacolod City Councilor Ricardo Tan affirmed meeting with Puentevella and Paduano at the said event, but called it “purely social.”

Paduano also reiterated, if he were to run for mayor, he wanted 2016 congressional candidate and former Bacolod City Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson as his running mate.

Last month, commenting on a possible Paduano-Sayson tandem, Leonardia said, “May they live happily ever after.”/DGB, WDJ