Exploratory alliance talks between the dominant Grupo Progreso of Bacolod and independent congressional aspirant Dan Atayde are in progress, a well-placed insider from the latter’s camp said.
The source said the details cannot be discussed, as of this time.
On Friday, Mayor Evelio Leonardia and the Grupo Progreso members said they no longer believe in the “neutrality” declared by incumbent congressman Greg Gasataya with regards to the team and that of Bacolod mayoral aspirant Alfredo Benitez.
Leonardia, in a press conference, said the neutrality of Gasataya “is a sham”, adding that what the solon was actually doing was a “political deception”, based on information from their leaders in the barangays.
The mayor also said they are open to negotiation with other congressional candidates.
Gasataya is still mum on the decision of the GP to drop him, saying he wanted to listen first and determine the bases of the political group and Leonardia.
Benitez said on a post Saturday that his politics “transcends political biases”.
He looks at character and performance, and said that “whatever political leanings Cong. Greg will embrace, I will vote for him”.
He said he is ready to accept Gasataya if the solon chooses to join his Asenso Bacolod team. — MML
