JVR: Nothing wrong with running solo

CEBU, Philippines - A week before the filing the certificates of candidacy, Talisay City Mayor Johnny "JVR" V. De los Reyes is still looking for a running mate in the next year's elections.

This after City Councilor Valeriano Ylanan did not take the mayor's invitation to be his vice mayor. Ylanan said he need to think it over "twice and thrice" before accepting the offer of the mayor since running into higher position is not that easy.

Ylanan earlier said he wanted to finish his term as a legislator.

Another ally of De los Reyes, City Councilor Dennis Basillote, also neglected the invitation saying he is inclined to run for board member in the first district.

Due to the development, there are insinuations that De los Reyes would pick his son, John Yre, the current city administrator, to be his running mate next year.

The mayor strongly denied such reports and told reporters that there is nothing wrong with running for the mayoralty position without any running mate.

He is still hoping, however, to get a "yes" answer from Ylanan even at the last minute. De los Reyes said he will be consulting his family, relatives and supporters before doing such decision.

If Ylanan would run for the vice mayoralty position, he is expected to endorse his son, Val Joseph, to be one of their candidates to the City Council.

De los Reyes, meanwhile, is sure to endorse another son, Clifford, to run again as city councilor under his slate.

With De los Reyes seeking for re-election, it will be a three-cornered fight for the top post in Talisay next year. Former congressman and mayor Eduardo Gullas will do a comeback run while incumbent Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante is also eyeing for the higher position. — Gabriel C. Bonjoc of BANAT News