Vice governor earlier insisted the merger was ‘holding’

Despite a merger between local political coalitions, Love Negros and the United Negros Alliance (UNegA), Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante, Jr., who serves as UNegA secretary-general, called his side “a force in the coming elections.”
UNegA members gathered last week at the Nature’s Village Resort in Talisay City, which was led by former Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. and incumbent Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, and where the party official said members “bonded.”
He also acknowledged Hinoba-an Mayor Ernesto Estrao and Candoni Mayor Ceciro Borromeo left the coalition and joined Love Negros.
“It’s their choice,” Escalante said. “We respect that.”
Meanwhile, he said the gathering allowed members to see that the former government was doing well.
“The former governor emphasized that the party will continue to exist even though he is no longer in public office,” the party official added.
Earlier this month, Ferrer affirmed he would not run for governor in the next elections and insisted the merger is “holding.”
He added, the merger has brought peace, noting, “If there are those who have ambitions, there will be no peace.”
Last October, UNegA announced plans to initiate a loyalty check among party members.
“As a party member you have an obligation to follow party decisions.” the vice governor stated. “You owe it to the party you joined.”/DGB, WDJ