Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia yesterday said he was “intrigued” after learning City Councilor Ricardo Tan withdrew from next year’s Bacolod City mayor’s race, saying, the ruling Grupo Progreso (GP), which the mayor leads, welcomes the decision.

He noted, based on information he has received, opposition party Magbinuligay Kita para sa Kauswagan (MKK) reportedly “did not show any respect to Tan.”

For his coalition, the mayor said, “We would like to concentrate on coming up with a team.”

He added, part of GP’s mission is working towards a 15-0 win, suggesting, a full sweep is how to bring “harmony among the city officials.”

Last week, Tan announced his withdrawal from the mayoral race, stating, he is setting aside his plans as the time for his “crusade for good governance” has not yet come.

With Tan’s withdrawal, it is currently unclear who will replace him in the MKK lineup. Although, it was earlier reported, Vladimir Gonzales, MKK’s 2016 candidate for Bacolod City vice mayor, may run for mayor in 2019./DGB, WDJ