By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

United Negros Alliance (UNegA) secretary-general, Provincial Board Member Salvador Escalante, Jr., recently projected 80 percent of local candidates will be re-elected if his political coalition forms a unity ticket with rival coalition Love Negros.

He explained, a unity ticket would rid the province of political rivalry, noting, “A merger will give voters better qualified candidates.”

Earlier, Negros Occidental third district Rep. Alfredo Benitez said Vice Governor Eugenio Lacson is the leading candidate to represent Love Negros in the proposed unity talks. UNegA, meanwhile, would be represented by Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. and former Negros Occidental fifth district Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer.

Ferrer is reportedly planning to run for governor in the upcoming polls, while Lacson earlier stated he does not mind seeking a third term as vice governor.

However, Lacson’s name is presently being floated as a potential candidates for the gubernatorial post./DGB, WDJ