Bataan gov, 12 mayors back Arroyo

BALANGA CITY — Bataan Gov. Leonardo Roman said he and the 12 mayors in the province are throwing their support behind President Arroyo in the May 10 elections.

In a press briefing at the Crown Royale Hotel here the other day, Roman, a ranking official of the Nationalist People’s Coalition in Central Luzon, told reporters that the 12 Bataan mayors are backing Mrs. Arroyo because of her tested leadership and platform of government.

"Bataan leaders are all behind the candidacy of President Arroyo," said Roman, who has served as governor for 16 years.

He is running for the congressional post to be vacated by second district Rep. Enrique Garcia.

"Mahirap ipagsapalaran ang kapakanan ng bayan kaya dapat pumili tayo ng inaakala nating pinakamahusay na pangulo (It’s difficult to entrust the country’s welfare to just anybody so we have to choose who we think should become the best president)," Roman said.

He, however, could not say the percentage of votes they could deliver for Mrs. Arroyo.

"We will know from the results in the 12 towns on May 10," he said.

Re-electionist first district Rep. Tony Roman also expressed full support for Mrs. Arroyo’s bid for a fresh six-year presidential term.

The Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino of actor Fernando Poe Jr. has not fielded candidates for any local position in the province.