Showdown among Roxas' political allies seen in 2010 polls
ROXAS CITY – An intense political showdown among the allies of Sen. Mar Roxas is expected to happen in 2010 once differences within the Liberal Party could not be settled soon.
Earlier, Provincial Administrator Zoe Herrera warned the allies of Sen. Mar Roxas who joined the Ugyon Capiz party of former Department Agriculture (DA) Usec. Jocelyn “Jocjoc” Bolante that they will be expelled from the coalition party.
Herrera said Sen. Roxas’ bet for governor of Capiz in 2010 is incumbent Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr. and any candidates who would not support the latter and will support Bolante would be considered their political enemy.
He said that Sen. Roxas was one of the senators who prosecuted Bolante in the P728 fertilizer scam and it is impossible for him to be a political ally of the latter.
Reportedly, 2nd District Cong. Fredenil Castro, who dominated his district, declared his full support together with nine mayors to support Bolante in his gubernatorial bid in the next election.
There are also rumors that Castro, Bolante and Roxas City Mayor Vicente Bermejo will join forces to oppose Sen. Roxas’ bets Gov. Tanco, Sr. and Rep. Antonio Del Rosario. However, each camp claimed that they will still support Sen. Roxas' presidential bid in 2010 election.
Meanwhile, Herrera said that the 1st district is still on status quo as of press time, however, he also announced that the LP bet for vice governor is incumbent Board Member Esteban “Nonoy” Contreras.
Last week, rumors also spread that Bermejo will be kicked out by Sen. Roxas from the LP because of his open support to Bolante. But Bermejo strongly denied the allegation that he will be expelled from the dominant party.
Bermejo, who is reportedly supported by 40 brgy captains out of 47 barangays, revealed that he is not bothered by reports that he will be kicked out of the party.
A reliable source also told TNT that Mr. Emmanuel “Tawi” Billones, uncle and trusted man of Sen. Mar Roxas, will be fielded by the LP to oppose Bermejo in the Roxas City mayoralty race.