Pilar ex-mayor calls on allies to unite for Roxas' pres'l bid
ROXAS CITY – Pilar ex-mayor Gideon “Ike” Patricio has urged Liberal Party (LP) to set aside political interests and instead unite to support Sen. Mar Roxas's presidential bid in 2010 election.
Patricio, who claimed to have clearance from LP to speak, said in a radio interview that it’s rare opportunity to have a Capiceño run for president.
He accused former political allies who bolted from LP and ride on the ship of former Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn “Jocjoc” Bolante’s Ugyon Capiz party for they are after the money.
Patricio, who is the husband of incumbent Mayor Rita Lyn Patricio, is the loyal political ally of Sen. Roxas.
It was learned that political allies like 2nd District Cong. Fredenil Castro and Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr. are not in good terms which triggered them to separately form their own line-up in this coming election.
Castro reportedly is supporting Bolante while Tanco supports former PNP Chief Roberto “Bobby” Lastimoso, who was also endorsed by Mrs. Judy Araneta Roxas to run as congressman in the 2nd district to oppose Mrs. Jane Castro, wife of Cong. Castro, in the next election.
According to the Castro camp, there is no more hope that their political difference with would be patched up.
Castro’s political ally, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The News Today (TNT) that Sen. Roxas failed to patch up problems that took place between Tanco and Castro.
He revealed that in the 2007 election the senator has given Castro the authority to select their mayoral bets for the 2nd district of Capiz.
However, when Castro chosen Mayor Leslie Warren “Boboy” Benjamin to be the party’s bet in Dumarao, Tanco also fielded and supported Former Vice Mayor Edgar Arancillo to oppose the younger Benjamen.
The Castro ally said that Sen. Mar also gave the blessing to Benjamin during the proclamation however, when Castro complained it to Sen. Mar, the latter ignored it.
Asked if Sen. Mar offered a peace talk with Castro, the ally said that Castro never said yes or no but they will be guided with the future development.
Sources from Sen. Mar Roxas camp said that the senator as distinguished political kingpin in Capiz and Roxas City, will put a draw line and have a loyalty check among allies.
The same source also revealed that the problem among allies will no longer be patched up as no one could not afford to be sacrificed.