Rival Singson camps forged compromise after all

VIGAN, Ilocos Sur - A compromise agreement was forged, after all, between the two warring Singson camps in the province, averting a much-expected showdown in the gubernatorial race.

Former Narvacan mayor Edgardo Zaragoza, brother-in-law of former second district Rep. Eric Singson, told The STAR yesterday that the agreement included the desistance of Eric’s camp from fielding candidates for governor and vice governor to challenge the "anointed" bets of Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson.

Zaragoza, who earlier had made no secret about his plan to run for governor, slid down to being a board member candidate at the last minute to give way to the agreement.

In exchange for Eric camp’s gesture, Zaragoza said Chavit "will not be active" during the campaign in several towns in the second district where Eric is running again for congressman and his wife, Grace, the incumbent representative, is reclaiming the mayorship of Candon town.

Under the compromise deal, the second district will be virtually treated as a "free zone," Zaragoza said. His wife, Charito, the re-electionist mayor of Narvacan, will also benefit from this arrangement.

Eric is facing a tough opponent in former Sta. Cruz mayor Virgilio Valle, a known protégé of Chavit. In 1998, Valle ran and lost to Grace.

Grace is facing re-electionist Candon Mayor Ramon Balbin, who earlier deserted Eric’s camp and joined Chavit’s Bileg party.

Vice Gov. Deogracias Savel-lano, Chavit’s gubernatorial bet, is opposed by lawyer Benjamin Baterina (PDP-Laban), younger brother of re-electionist first district Rep. Salacnib Baterina. He was earlier considered as Zara-goza’s running mate.

Chavit’s younger brother, board member Jerry Singson, Savellano’s running mate, appears to be the only one assured of victory since no credible candidate is opposing his vice gubernatorial bid.

Chavit’s candidates are running under the ruling Lakas-NUCD, of which he is the regional chairman. Eric and his bets are under the banner of the Liberal Party.

Rep. Salacnib, Lakas-NUCD provincial chairman, will slug it out with former Rep. Mariano Tajon (NPC), whom he beat in 1998.