Junie M. lets LP decide on Congress bet

CEBU, Philippines - With Bogo City Mayor Celestino “Junie” Martinez Jr. and his son Celestino “Tining” III still facing indecision, the Liberal Party where they belong might just have to make the final decision on who it will field against Fourth District Rep. Benhur Salimbangon in next year’s elections.

“If the party of which I belong, ang Liberal Party, wants us to put up a candidate then we will have to put up a candidate. Depende ra gyud na sa party, kung moingon ang partido nga di, then wa ta mahimo,” Junie said.

The Martinezes belong to LP while Salimbangon belongs to One Cebu Party allied with Lakas-Kampi in 2010 elections. Like his father, Tining also sat as mayor of Bogo.

Tining had protested against Salimbangon when he lost in 2007 but was finally declared winner days after the 2010 elections when he again lost to the latter. Tining said he has yet to decide what option to take in 2013 as the family is still discussing it.

“We still have to discuss (what are) the options that we are going to take,” Tining said. They will reportedly arrive at a decision by June.

Right now, Tining said he is busy with his private life – he is taking care of his family and setting up his personal business.

“Wa pa siya ka decide pero considering that this is a new administration, we will see kay wa naman si Gloria (Arroyo),” Junie said.

Junie earlier announced he will seek reelection as mayor and has no plans of seeking a post at the provincial government, either as governor or vice governor.

After he completed his term as congressman from 1992 to 1998, Junie ran for vice governor in 2001 and governor in 2004 but lost.

He won as mayor of Bogo in 2007, succeeding his son Tining. He was reelected in 2010 and, under the law, still has one more term in office. (FREEMAN)