P-Noy's supporter likely choice to run for Arroyo's post

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines  — The June 2 special elections for a new congressman replacing the late Rep. Iggy Arroyo of the 5th district of Negros Occidental may turn out to be a extension fight between Aquino and Arroyo.

Binalbagan Mayor Alejandro Mirasol, the first mayor in Negros Occidental to have declared publicly his support for President Benigno Aquino III in the 2010 elections, is likely to be chosen by his party, United Negros Alliance (UNA) as its candidate in the special election.

Sources said Malacañang has been reportedly influencing the decision of UNA in choosing Mirasol, considering that Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., chairman of UNA, is also a supporter of the Aquino administration, while 3rd District Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez, an UNA member and considered the new “political kingmaker in Negros Occidental,” is provincial chairman of the Liberal Party.

UNA is the dominant local alliance of major political parties, and most of its members are incumbent officials of Negros Occidental.

Iggy’s sister, Ma. Lourdes “Marilou” Arroyo-Lesaca, had expressed her intention to run, a decision that may have the endorsement of her brother, former First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo. Should this happen, the special elections would pit the bets of President Aquino and of former president Arroyo.

There is a snag however in Lesaca’s political plans: She is not an UNA member and her candidacy’s status may fell short of the required residency period prior to elections. Last week, she transferred her voter’s registration from Quezon City to Binalbagan, one of the towns in the 5th district.

Marañon said that, while Iggy was an UNA member, such membership could not be transferred to Lesaca automatically. “It is not a land title that you can just transfer your party membership to your next of kin,” he said.

As the party’s leader, the governor said he will support the candidate who will be chosen by UNA to run for the special polls.

Marañon had met with some UNA members yesterday, but only four of six town mayors of the 5th district were present thus a consensus was not reached yet on who will be the party’s candidate. Present at the meeting were Mirasol and another possible candidate, Provincial Board Member Melvin Ibañez.

Shortly after their meeting, Marañon told reporters that UNA will convene again next Saturday with all the members of the alliance—mayors, congressmen, and PB members of Negros Occidental—set to decide who their candidate will be. He said the UNA executive committee will have the final say on the matter.

Benitez earlier said he will respect the decision of the UNA and will support whoever will be the choice of the party.

Other possible candidates are Iggy’s long-time partner Grace Ibuna, PB Member Emilio Yulo III, and former PB Member Enrique Montilla, who is the nephew of Lesaca.

Ibuna had no statement so far whether she is running for the post or not, but sources said she is inclined to support Mirasol. Agreements between possible candidates have already been arranged.

Mirasol and Yulo, who are relatives, have agreed that only one of them will run for the post. The father of Yulo is a cousin of Mirasol, and there were reports that their families had held a caucus with supporters to decide who will be their candidate.  (FREEMAN)