LP morale boosted by massive exodus

by: DEMS DEMECILLO

The high profile defections of a solon along with several mayors have boosted the morale of the Liberal Party that, with former mayor Ipe Remollo as chief coordinator, the province of Negros Oriental will deliver the votes needed to ensure the elections of Senators Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas to the presidency and vice-presidency, respectively.

In fact, the massive exodus of political leaders in the province to LP, largely at the expense of the administration Lakas-Kampi party, may no longer require Remollo from seeking the gubernatorial post.

Among the politicians who pledged loyalty to the Aquino-Roxas tandem are 1st District Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichong, Guihulngan Mayor Ernesto Reyes, Jimalalud Mayor Dodoy Tuanda, Valencia Mayor Odol Gonzalez, La Libertad Mayor Dodong Limkaichong, Bais City Mayor Hector “Tata” Vilanueva, who is gunning the 2nd district congressional seat and Dumaguete City Mayor and vice- gubernatorial bet Agustin Perdices.

Flushed with confidence, the Liberal Party is even mulling fielding a set of mayors for the third district that will be distinct from those backed by Macias (NPC) and Teves (Lakas-Kampi), but these will be finalized before the deadline of the filing of the Certificate of Candidacy on Tuesday.

Valencia’s electorate expects a one-one-one battle between Vice-mayor Doro Olasiman (Lakas-Kampi) and Ricky Gonzalez (LP) for the mayorship while Councilor Bito Maravillas (Lakas- Kampi) and Mayor Odol Gonzalez will fight toe-to-toe for the vice-mayorship.

Dodo , Petit still welcome by LPs Anyone of the two who have made overtures to join the Liberal party, are said to be still welcome as of the moment, until they finally burn their bridges.

As this developed, Liberal Party chief provincial coordinator ex-Mayor Ipe Remollo burned their midnight candles to finalize the LP slate, which they admitted were swamped with wanabees, but have to pass rigid selection process.