- MITCH M LIPA
Negros Occidental Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer said 25 mayors of the province expressed their support to the tandem of Bongbong Marcos and Sara Duterte-Carpio during a meeting Saturday with BBM national campaign manager Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr.
Ferrer said they have high respect on the decision of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson allowing the local chief executives to choose who to support in the May 2022 national and local polls.
He said the mayors who support Marcos and Duterte-Carpio include three in the 1st District, two from the 2nd District, all the mayors of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th districts, and most of the LCEs in the 6th District.
Ferrer added that in Bacolod City, he believes that mayoral aspirant Alfredo “Albee” Benitez is also for BBM-Sara because of family affiliations, similar to the Benedictos of central Negros.
Different sectors in Negros Occidental supporting the tandem of Marcos and Duterte-Carpio held a unity dialogue to strengthen alliances in preparation for the visit of the two in the province in January.
Abalos, who is the chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, meanwhile, clarified the disqualification issues against Marcos, and claimed that these petitions will soon be resolved in favor of the son of the late strongman.
“What is important now is to win a majority president because of overwhelming support; the pouring out of support from Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao is tremendous as people are pushing for the leadership of the younger Marcos,” he added.
The recent survey of 58 percent is one of the highest ratings for any presidential candidate at this time, Abalos said, adding that this is a testimony that people want the partnership of Marcos and Duterte-Carpio.
Leaders of sugar planters’ associations also attended the multi-sectoral meeting.
Manuel Lamata and other UNIFED officers expressed their support to the BBM-Sara tandem and will coordinate preparations for the coming campaign trail that will start in February. — MML
