Bolante to Sen. Roxas: Peace be with you
SAPIAN, Capiz—Former Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Jocelyn “Jocjoc” Bolante said that he is looking for political allies and not foes as he offered reconciliation, friendly and healthy politics to Sen. Mar Roxas in next year's election.
This was the reaction of Bolante upon knowing that Sen. Mar Roxas thru Provincial Administrator Zoe Herrera had declared war against Bolante and his political allies last week.
Bolante told The News Today (TNT) the senator’s declaration does not affect him and his party. “Creating political foes in order to win is an old-fashioned type of politics,” Bolante said.
Bolante said his objective in running is to serve the people with a strong foundation and goodwill and not antagonism.
Bolante was invited by Mayor Arturo “Turic” Orosco, Sr. here as guest speaker of the oathtaking of new set of officers of Federation of Senior Citizen last Friday.
Last week, Herrera warned Roxas’ allies who joined Bolante's Ugyon Capiz party to 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.
2nd District Cong. Fredenil Castro, Vice Gov. Felipe Barredo and Former City Councilor Mark Ortiz, all LP stalwarts, together with all mayors in 2nd district of Capiz, except Sigma, officially signified their intention to support Bolante.
There are 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.
The three giant politicians reportedly asked Sen. Mar Roxas to have a ‘free zone’ in gubernatorial and 1st district congressional races between Gov. Tanco and. Bolante and 1st District Rep. Antonio del Rosario and Vice Gov. Felipe Barredo, respectively.
Earlier, 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.
Bermejo appealed to the media to wait for the official declaration of Sen. Roxas and not to immediately believe what Herrera is saying.