By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Board Member Alain Gatuslao confirmed he will be running in the upcoming 2019 midterm elections to replace Negros Occidental fifth district Rep. Alejandro Mirasol, who is currently serving his third and final term.

The provincial official believes he has “the edge” over his potential rivals.

Among other names that have been mentioned as possible contenders include Himamaylan City Mayor Ernesto Agustin Bascon; Moises Padilla Mayor Magdaleno Peña; and Marilou Arroyo-Lesaca, sister of former Negros Occidental fifth district Rep. Ignacio ‘Iggy’ Arroyo, Jr.

Arroyo served from 2004 until his passing in 2012, when he was replaced by Mirasol.

The outgoing legislator, meanwhile, will reportedly run for Binalbagan mayor, where he faces incumbent Mayor Emmanuel Aranda./DGB, WDJ