BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA

Mayor Magdaleno Peña of Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental said the province needs “iron hand” leaders.

Peña said this yesterday in view of next year’s midterm elections.

The mayor criticized Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. and Vice Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson for not prioritizing the campaign against illegal drugs.

“Negros needs an iron hand governor with iron hand mayors,” Peña said.

He stressed that having these kind of leaders would not only curb illegal drug activities but also insurgency.

When asked if he would join the gubernatorial or congressional race in the 2019 polls, Peña said he “no longer has money,” hinting his possible retirement from public service.

Peña endorsed Negros Occidental 3rd Dsitrict representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez for governor.

He said Benitez and his family have a “clean record.”/DGB, WDJ