Angara-Noveras alliance fails over 'package deal'

BALER, Aurora , Philippines  – Negotiations for a possible tactical alliance between the Angaras and Noveras are off.

This, after the camp of Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo, who is seeking a third and last term, rejected the “package deal” reportedly being offered by the camp of Vice Gov. Gerardo Noveras.

Angara-Castillo confirmed that the deal is now off after Noveras’ elder brother, comebacking former vice governor Isaias Jr., announced he was running for mayor of their hometown, Ma. Aurora under the banner of the Partido ng Masang Pilipino.

Prior to the elder Noveras’ announcement, the two camps have been holding talks over a possible alliance in the run-up to the 2010 elections.

The vice governor was best remembered for beating Angara-Castillo’s nephew Rommel, in the 2007 polls, spoiling what could have been an Angara-Angara tandem at the helm of the Capitol.

Rommel’s setback was reportedly the offshoot of his being junked in 2007 by the camp of then vice governor Annabelle Tangson and her younger brother, then San Luis mayor Mariano Tangson in favor of Noveras.

The Tangsons and Noverases are old political allies. Annabelle was Isaias’ runningmate when the latter ran and lost in 2001 to Chit Ong in the gubernatorial race.

The Tangsons reportedly wanted Mariano to be Angara-Castillo’s runningmate in place of Annabelle but Rommel’s fielding would quash future attempts by the Tangsons to make a run at the Capitol.  

This led to a rift between Angara-Castillo and the Tangsons. Mariano is reportedly set to challenge Angara-Castillo in next year’s polls.

The Noveras brothers are scions of Isias Sr., 82, a former vice governor-turned-governor by succession when the province became a regular province. Isias Sr., Isias Jr. and Gerardo are on record with the distinction as the only father and sons triumvirate to have each been elected vice governor in the province.

Earlier, Angara-Castillo told the vice governor to make up his mind whether to join the governor whose camp constitutes the overwhelming majority bloc in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan where Noveras is the presiding officer.