Political line ups start to form in Capiz
ROXAS CITY – Mrs. Judy Araneta Roxas's pronouncement that Gov. Victor Tanco Sr., former PNP Chief Gen. Roberto "Bobby" Lastimoso and businessman Roberto "Nonong" Palomar are the political allies of her son Sen. Mar Roxas in next year's election apparently triggered division among the senator's allies in the Liberal Party (LP).
Palomar would be the opponent of Tapaz Mayor Rosemarie Gardose while Gen. Lastimoso would be the opponent of Mrs. Jane Castro, wife of last termer 2nd district Cong. Fredenil Castro in the election. It was learned that Castro and Gardose are the political allies of Sen. Mar Roxas in the previous election.
However, a political analyst, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The News Today (TNT) that the Roxases got irked over the odds between Cong. Castro and Gov. Tanco, Sr. which was not settled. Both Castro and Tanco camps have political differences in terms of projects and municipal mayors.
Meanwhile, Del Rosario and Bermejo also have a rift that might trigger disagreements in putting up their separate line up this coming election.
Another reliable source told TNT that Mrs. Jane Castro, who is being pushed by her husband Fredenil to be the latter's predecessor in the 2nd district, is roaming around to consult and organize political allies with former agriculture undersecretary Jocelyn "Jocjoc" Bolante.
The same source said that Bolante, who earlier formed his political group "Ugyon", has already completed their line-up as follows: for 2nd district representative, Mrs. Jane Castro; for governor, Bolante; for vice governor, former City Councilor Mark Ortiz.
For 1st district congressman, incumbent vice Governor Felipe Barredo; for board members: Dr. Cesar Yap, incumbent City Councilor Ramon Albar; incumbent Pontevedra vice mayor Noeme Dumapig; former Board Member Benjamin "Totong" Distura; and former Board Member Blesilda "Gingging" Almalbis.
The Ugyon party reportedly will not field candidates but will support City Mayor Vicente Bermejo and Panay Mayor Dante Bermejo; Maayon, incumbent Sangguniang Bayan Member Villamor Baruela; Pontevedra, former Mayor Arturo Tumlos; their bets in Panitan, President Roxas and Pilar were not yet named:
For the 2nd district board members: former Board Member Atty. Henry Reyes, Incumbent Dao Vice Mayor Mitang Magbanua, Incumbent Mambusao SB Member Joefrey Layo, Former Jamindan Vice Mayor Melo Robles and Mrs. Mimi Ardivilla, wife of incumbent Board Member Gilbert Ardivilla.
For Municipal mayors: all incumbent 2nd district mayors except Sigma Mayor Maria Andaya in which the Ugyon Party will field former Sigma Mayor Roberto Sualog against the incumbent.
The source also revealed that the Ugyon Party will still support the presidential bid of Sen. Mar Roxas but asked for a 'free zone' among the senator's political allies however, the negotiation reportedly failed as the Roxases will not tolerate the said system.
Meanwhile, City Mayor Bermejo and Cong. Del Rosario, whose rift is not yet settled, has separately formed their political allies from congressman, mayors, vice mayors down to sangguniang bayan members. Reportedly, Del Rosario and Bermejo will put up LP wings to support their candidacies.
For LP board member, 2nd district: Former Board Member Dr. Antonio Arciga, Former Board Member Aldwin Cruz Am, father of Board Member Fritz Cruz Am, Atty Luper Martinez, Board Member Winston Advicula and Former Liga President Cris Andaya, son of the late Cong. Vicente Andaya.