22 Iloilo politicians jump ship to LP

ILOILO CITY, Philippines  — The ruling Liberal Party has gained 22 additional members in Iloilo province and took their oath of membership before Governor Arthur Defensor Sr., the party’s provincial chair.

Most of the 22 new LP members ran under the United Nationalist Alliance during the 2013 elections, and three of them took their oaths before Senate President Franklin Drilon, the LP’s national vice chair.

Those who trooped to the LP camp of Defensor were Mayor Ronilo Caspe and Vice Mayor Eddie Tuares of Cabatuan town and Vice Mayor Mark Palabrica of Bingawan.

Defensor also swore in Councillors Gold Caspillo, Gretchel Joy Casono, Julius Andrew Castaños, Dino Cavez and Hazel Carmen—all of Calinog;

Arael Borro Jr., Gerardo Abogada, Angelo Colacion, Ian Kim Mamon and Russel Oremo (Badiangan); Ted Peter Plagata, Nemesio Cachite, Jose Rabago Jr., Roger Genturo, Percival Girao, Joy Quimba and Leovy Simora (Bingawan); and Roman Peñaranda Jr. and Fraulin Cordero (Pototan).

Drilon, for his part, swore in former UNA members, Mayor Adolfo Jane of Leganes, and Mayor John Tarrosa and  Vice Mayor Joefel Marañon of Zarraga.

Defensor added the LP are now also expecting the following town mayors to join the party: Filomeno Ganzon of Balasan, Rene Cordero of Estancia, Ligaya Apura of Lemery and Pedro Alarcon of Batad.

The LP is now finalizing talks also with former congressman Ferjenel Biron of the 4th District (Iloilo), the UNA provincial head during the 2013 polls.

Defensor said the LP local leadership has been looking to have Biron’s support on Mar Roxas’ presidential candidacy, but Biron has been busy organizing his local partylist group, Abyan Ilonggo. He also has yet to officially announce his political plans for 2016.

Former Iloilo City councilor Jeffrey Ganzon, who ran in 2013 for vice mayor under UNA, has joined the alliance of Rep. Jerry Treñas-Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog-Vice Mayor Jose Espinosa III, under the LP.

Ganzon said he will seek a political post in 2016 but, this time around, under the LP.  (FREEMAN)