The clash between two United Negros Alliance candidates for the mayoralty position appears to be unavoidable in Binalbagan, as a rematch between incumbent Alejandro Mirasol and his former ally, Emmanuel Aranda, is expected in next year’s elections.
Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., who is the UNegA secretary general, said that he received information that Aranda, who previously served as mayor of Binalbagan, will again challenge Mirasol in the mayoralty race.
UNegA has yet to discuss the possible clash between the two members, but Escalante said it is the policy of the group from the beginning that any “incumbent member of UNegA will be the official candidate.”
He also stressed that Rep. Ma. Lourdes Arroyo will continue to be the UNegA official candidate in the 5th district, unless she resigns.
Escalante was reacting to reports that former Board Member Alain Gatuslao may challenge Arroyo for the congressional seat. Both are also UNegA members.
But Escalante said Gatuslao told him a week ago that he already retired from politics.
He also disclosed that Gatuslao wants to set a schedule with Vice-Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer for the proclamation of his brother, incumbent Himamaylan City Vice-Mayor Justin Gatuslao, as the official candidate of UNegA for city vice mayor, in preparation for the printing of their political posters.
Escalante also said that there is no chance of a merger of UNegA and Love-Negros in Isabela town, also in the 5th district, as Vice Mayor Renato Malabor is determined to challenge incumbent Mayor Irene Montilla, who is affiliated with Love-Negros.
But Escalante said he is not losing hope, citing Toboso where the merger of UNega and Love-Negros is now possible, after Madonnah Marañon-Jaojoco, wife of Mayor Richard Jaojoco, was agreed on as the mayor, and Ma Luisa de la Cruz, who is affiliated with Love-Negros, as her running mate.
“Hopefully, the coalition in Toboso will hold, and we are happy for that,” he added.
But he cannot say what will happen to Toboso Vice Mayor Jesse Rex Bartolome, who is with Love-Negros. “I cannot speak for Love Negros, but I am sure they are still working on their side since there are commitments,” Escalante said.
On the other hand, with Hinobaan Mayor Ernesto Estrao set to complete his nine-year term as local chief executive, there are serious talks that a UNegA member, whom he did not identify, might join the mayoralty race. – GB
