UNA chooses Mirasol its bet for special polls

BACOLOD CITY a  — Binalbagan town Mayor Alejandro Mirasol, endorsed by the Liberal Party to run in the special election to fill the post vacated by the late Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo, got the endorsement of the United Negros Alliance (UNA).

Mirasol was chosen by the UNA, as its official candidate for the June 2 special poll, during the party caucus Saturday presided by its chairman, Governor Alredo Marañon Jr.

Mirasol’s candidacy was reportedly being backed by Malacañang as he was the first mayor in Negros Occidental to have declared publicly his support for President Aquino in the 2010 elections.

Mirasol is also the bet of Grace Ibuna, the long-time partner of Iggy, who said that she welcomed the endorsement and will help his candidacy.

“I am truly happy that Mirasol got the endorsement. I feel that he will continue the progress at the District and he will really care for the people’s needs,” Ibuna said in a statement. She also said she will run for the post if Mirasol is not chosen by UNA.

Provincial Board Member Melvin Ibañez, another contender in the UNA’s choice for the post, earlier withdrawn his intention to run, saying Mirasol is the likely UNA’s choice because of Liberal Party’s endorsement. “I hope that Mirasol continues the legacy of Iggy,” he said.

Mirasol is now left with only three possible opponents: His nephew, PB Member Emilio Yulo III, former PB Member Enrique Montilla and former Isabela town Mayor Renato Malabor.

Provincial elections supervisor Jesse Suarez said the Comelec has approved a budget of P21.6 million for the special election, the filing of certificates of candidacy of which could be from May 13 to 15, and the campaign period from May 16 to midnight of May 31.

As of January this year, the number of registered voters in the 5th district is 206,466, broken down as follows: 50,506 in Himamaylan City, 29,200 in Binalbagan, 41,682 in Hinigaran, 28,835 in Isabela, 35,307 in La Castellana and 20,936 in Moises Padilla.