Manzano for Governor?, Ilonggo solons in Edu 'fans club'
Actor turned politician and now Optical Media Board chairman Edu "Doods" Manzano is officially a registered voter of Concepcion, Iloilo. As such, his name was now "officially" flaunted as the next possible occupant of the Capitol or even the heir to the congressional throne in Northern Iloilo.
With no firm commitment from Manzano though, all but one of the five Ilonggo solons publicly welcomed his entry to local politics.
From First District Congresswoman Janette Loreto-Garin, Third District Congressman Arthur Defensor, Fourth District Congressman Ferjinel Biron and opposition Fifth District Congressman Rolex Suplico, not a single negative reaction was heard when reached for comment in radio interviews.
Suplico for his part said Manzano is a good friend, very well respected even by the opposition while adding in jest, "he has nothing to do with the anomalous substandard roads in the Fifth District." The road issue has since been Suplico's battlecry, a project of his uncle, former Fifth District Congressman now Governor Niel Tupas.
"Edu has no issue on graft and corruption too," Suplico added.
Sentiments shared by Biron and Garin who both said if Manzano gets the ruling party's support, then they will definitely go all out for his candidacy.
Defensor on the other hand said any and all declaration as to who will be the standard and official candidate will have to wait. Yet Manzano is a probable contender and a welcome addition to the party.
Meantime, Concepcion Mayor Raul Banias, Lakas Party district chairman is also another possible contender for the congressional seat in the Fifth District. This alongside his other options to be a board member or a party-list representative. Whatever and whichever he will ultimately decide on, he told Bombo Radyo, it will have to be under the ruling party as he vowed to stick it out with Lakas.
On the other hand, Tupas was unfazed by the news that Manzano would possibly slug it out with him in next year's gubernatorial race.
In his regular Monday press conference at the Capitol, Tupas told reporters he welcomes Manzano to be his opponent.
"It's his right to run for governor. Anybody could run for the position. Anyway, it's the people who will decide," Tupas said.
Asked of his reaction on the imminent support of all the congressmen of Iloilo to Manzano's possible gubernatorial bid Tupas quipped, "last election (2004) all the congressmen were also against me, yet I won."
Earlier, Vice Governor Roberto Armada, also one of the possible contenders for the gubernatorial post, declared that he would simply abide with whatever the decision of the administration as to whom to field for governor.
"As a good soldier, I would follow whatever the party decision is," Armada said.
(with reports from Erly Garcia)