Hodgepodge from LP, UNA Negros Oriental bets to have common Senate candidates

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines – Reelectionist Rep. George Arnaiz (2nd district, Negros Oriental) has disclosed that he and his affiliate candidates in the province will be carrying a host of senatorial candidates from both the Liberal Party and the United Nationalist Alliance in the May 13 mid-term elections.

Arnaiz (Nationalist People’s Coalition) said he will be discussing the matter with gubernatorial candidate Margarito “Gary” Teves, Rep. Henry Pryde Teves (Lakas-CMD), the mayors and different political candidates in their alliance ticket on who to support in the senatorial race.

“There are candidates in the LP-led coalition that we have to support,” Arnaiz said, citing reelectionist Senator Loren Legarda and Rep. Jackie Enrile who are NPC party-mates.

Other names Arnaiz mentioned were former NPC president Ernesto Maceda, reelectionist Senator Francisco Escudero and a “good ally.”

From the UNA, Arnaiz said some candidates to be considered for local support are Estrada (referring to incumbent Rep. JV Ejercito) and reelectionist Senator Gregorio Honasan.

Arnaiz said it would not be unusual for local candidates to be picking their individual and common candidates for higher elective positions, particularly those seeking a seat in the Senate.

Arnaiz, who is now seeking for a 3rd term in Congress, is supporting the gubernatorial bid of Gary Teves, former finance secretary in the Arroyo administration, whose running mate is his younger brother, reelectionist Vice Governor Apolinario Arnaiz, Jr.

Also in the Arnaiz’ lineup are incumbent Rep. Henry Pryde Teves (3rd district), former 1st district Rep. Jerome Paras who is making a comeback for Congress and younger brother, also former congressman Jacinto Paras, who is now running for mayor of Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental.  (FREEMAN)