• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Bacolod Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran said he is “a better candidate” for city mayor in next year’s midterm elections, as he and his running mate, Councilor Renecito Novero, submitted their COCs about three hours before the filing deadline Oct. 8.
“I know the problems and I know the solutions…natestingan na ko ya (especially) sang pag COVID, nag atubang sang problema. We are presenting themselves as the alternative candidates and it is up to our constituents kung sin-o ila botohon,” Familiaran told reporters.
He said his lineup for councilor includes come-backing Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) members Ana Marie Palermo, Archie Baribar, and Wilson Gamboa Jr., punong barangays Teodoro Yulo of 34, Yolanda Noble of Pahanocoy, and Lindy de Leon of Vista Alegre, Brgy. 32 kagawad Ernesto Yap Jr., Christian John Weber of Amlig Tubig, and youth leader Ken Paolo Gilo.
“The team’s composition has high moral and ethical standards, with unblemished characters,” Familiaran said.
He said that from 34 punong barangays who initially pushed him to run for mayor, 24 have remained, “Hoping na indi na maibanan. Not all the time that money will prevail.”
Novero, the lone lawyer in the current 11th Bacolod Council, said he decided to run for vice mayor to continue the excellent standards that Familiaran enforced as father of the SP, adding the position “requires experience, mental precocity, and mature attitude.”
“I join this crusade for better management of the city. We believe in the capacity of Bacolodnons to filter their choices. (We believe) they will become more intelligent, responsible, and dignified” in choosing their leaders in the May 12 elections, said Novero, who was vice mayor of Bacolod from 2004-2007. | CGC
