• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Six Negros Occidental mayoralty candidates, two of them incumbent local chief executives, have joined the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), the political party of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
This was confirmed today, Sept. 27, by Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., who along with Toboso Mayor Madonnah Jaojoco, will seek reelection under the Lakas-CMD.
Manapla Mayor Manuel Escalante III, who also joined the Lakas-CMD, said that his daughter, Mika, who is an incumbent town councilor, will run for mayor instead of him.
Talisay City Mayor Neil Lizares and his wife lawyer Rowena Lopez Lizares also joined the Lakas-CMD, the Cadiz City mayor said.
Lizares is aiming to succeed her husband, who is now on his third and last term.
Others who joined Lakas-CMD were Don Salvador Benedicto Vice Mayor Nehemiah Joe dela Cruz Jr. and La Castellana Councilor Anejo Nicor, who are both running for mayor, as well as Felix Matias Segundo Feria Yulo, who will run for vice mayor in Moises Padilla, and Murcia Vice Mayor Johnny Reusora.
On Thursday, the Lakas-CMD candidates in Negros Occidental filled out up their respective certificates of nomination and acceptance, which were then submitted to the national party officials in Manila, Escalante Jr. said.
He added that the local Lakas-CMD candidates will hold a general assembly on Sept. 30. | GB
