• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The ruling Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) was able to get the super majority of the Negros Island Region (NIR) officials, after almost 300 members took their oath in Bacolod City on Monday, Aug. 26.
This was declared by PFP president, South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., as two of the three NIR governors, including Jake Vincent Villa of Siquijor and Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria of Negros Oriental, are also PFP members while Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson remains with the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), which has an alliance with the PFP.
Among the Negros Occidental mayors who took their oath as PFP members were Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, E.B. Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon, Binalbagan Mayor Alejandro Mirasol, Hinobaan Mayor Daph Anthony Reliquias, Valladolid Mayor Enrique Miravalles, Murcia Mayor Victor Gerardo Rojas, and Candoni Mayor Ray Ruiz.
Joining the PFP in the previous months were Kabankalan City Mayor Benjie Miranda, Himamaylan City Mayor Rogelio Raymund Tongson and Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego.
Benitez said that the town officials of Toboso led by Mayor Madonna Jaojoco are also joining the PFP.
Also taking oath as members were former Silay City Mayor Mark Golez, Isabela Vice Mayor Juan Miguel Montilla, and Cauayan Vice Mayor Analiza Tabujara Soriano.
They were also joined by Negros Oriental and Siquijor officials.
Tamayo said that they are still accepting new members as many more NIR officials wanted to join the PFP.
In his message during the oathtaking rites, Benitez said that the PFP is more than just a political organization, stressing that “it is a movement dedicated to progress, empowerment, and the transformation of the nation.”
The PFP now stands as the party with the highest number of governors in the country, he added.
“This is a testament to our collective commitment to empowering local governance, ensuring that every Filipino, no matter where they are, has a voice and a stake in our nation’s future,” Benitez said.
Lacson expressed his support for the PFP, which is guided by the vision and leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
PFP has established alliances with the NPC, National Unity Party, Lakas-CMD and Nacionalista Party.
“Our collective support for the PFP is also a commitment to Bagong Pilipinas, the President’s vision of inclusive governance and leadership,” Lacson said.
Negros Occidental Fifth District Board Member Anthony Dennis Occeño, PFP provincial chairman, is reportedly eyeing to challenge incumbent Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo.
Negros Occidental Third District Rep. turned Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director-General Jose Francisco Benitez also gave his message of support during the activity. | GB
