• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
About 200 members of the United Negros Alliance (UNegA), led by Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer, are expected to attend the general assembly in Talisay City, Negros Occidental on Sept. 7.
The party gathering comes three weeks before the start of the filing of certificate of candidacy on Oct. 1 to 8 for the May 2025 midterm elections.
UNegA is expected to tackle the party candidates from the provincial level down to the cities and municipalities.
Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante, the UNegA secretary general, said that 150 to 200 members are attending the general assembly.
Ferrer, the UNegA president, earlier said that they will invite Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, who is a Love Negros member, to attend the general assembly, which they already did before.
UNegA and Love Negros have established a coalition since the 2019 elections.
Ferrer announced earlier that he will run for congressman of the fourth district.
Instead, Fourth District Board Member Jose Benito Alonso is expected to run for vice governor.
Third District Board Member Manuel Frederick Ko was also endorsed to run as the first nominee of the Abang Lingkod partylist, after Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano steps down when his term ends June 30 next year.
Meanwhile, Escalante said the oathtaking of Lakas CMD members slated on Sept. 4 has been postponed due to inclement weather.
He, along with Manapla Mayor Manuel Escalante III, Toboso Mayor Madonnah Jaojoco, some vice mayors and councilors will be sworn in as members. | GB
