Former ambassador Eduardo ‘Danding’ Cojuangco Jr., chairman emeritus of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), has endorsed the re-election bids of Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Rep. Greg Gasataya.

Cojuangco, widely considered a political “king-maker” in Negros Occidental, raised the hands of the two Bacolod NPC stalwarts at the NPC assembly in Makati Diamond Residences in Makati City Tuesday [April 23].

Leonardia said, “I and Congressman Greg are very thankful and happy of the endorsement. It is such a big morale booster because Ambassador Cojuangco is an institution—respected and admired in the business and political circle.”

“We consider the Boss’ endorsement also as an endorsement of the entire Grupo Progreso slate. And for that, we are all very grateful and proud,” Leonardia added.

Earlier, Leonardia was also endorsed by President Rodrigo Duterte. In a video posted on his Facebook page Rody Duterte on March 21, the President said, “I am supporting Leonardia for the mayorship of Bacolod City. I think he is the better guy, he’s more direct and honest. Siya ang gusto kong maging mayor (He’s the one I want to become mayor). I am supporting him.”

In his fresh re-election bid for a sixth term, Leonardia has also recently received endorsements from Davao Mayor and presidential daughter Sara Duterte, PDP-Laban president Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel, Senate President Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III, former DILG secretary Rafael Alunan and a host of national politicians. (Paid Article)