Bets say LP intact in Talisay City

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City councilatorial candidate Aldin Diaz clarified yesterday that his fellow candidates Lee Consul and Bensing Raguindin are still with the Liberal Party.

Diaz, a councilman of Barangay Dumlog, also denied reports that the group is splitting following allegations of separate campaigning. Representatives of Talisay City's ruling party Alayon revealed that they saw LP bets holding separate sorties around the city.

Diaz who formed the group "CDR" along with Consul and Raguindin admitted they have gone around even without party support since July last year, but the sorties were only to promote their talent search "Barangay Idol". The sorties reportedly had the consent of mayoralty candidate Johnny delos Reyes. Diaz said the activities were aimed at giving a platform for Talisay residents to showcase their skills.

Diaz, Consul and Raguindin served as hosts of the barangay talent search. Diaz also denied that they were using the talent search as a way to campaign on their own. Diaz also denied reports that they have not mentioned the names of their party mates during their activities.

In an earlier interview, Talisay City opposition councilor and vice mayoral aspirant Romeo Villarante defended their colleagues' separate campaigning as a strategy of the "CDR" group. Villarante knew that their opponents would exploit the campaign strategy of Diaz, Consul and Raguindin.

He said that while some LP members have been going around on their own, the party will be hitting the road as a group on March 29, the day the campaign will formally begin. –(FREEMAN)