By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Negros Occidental Liga ng mga Barangay (Liga) will be electing officers, including president, this morning at the Seda Hotel in Bacolod City.

Incumbent Provincial Liga President Anabelle Bermudo of La Carlota City is being challenged by Barangay 9 Captain Jovie Pepillo of Victorias City, who is reportedly backed by Negros Occidental third district Rep. Alfredo Benitez. Meanwhile, Bermudo is aligned with Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr.

Pepillo earlier vowed to be “the voice of the barangays,” saying, “I will ensure that the voice of the barangays will be heard in the Capitol.”

The winner will sit as an ex-officio member of the Provincial Board.

Currently, Marañon’s United Negros Alliance controls the Provincial Board with eight members, while the Benitez’ Love Negros has six. However, observers claim a majority of mayors are aligned with Love Negros and believe they have an advantage ahead of the polls.

A total of 30 local Liga presidents from across the province will be voting./DGB, WDJ