BACOLOD City – Rep. Evelio “Bing” Leonardia announced before a huge crowd at an iconic site here yesterday that he wants to return to the city hall. He will run for mayor, pitting himself against long-time political rival, incumbent Mayor Monico“Newks” Puentevella. More than a thousand supporters gathered at the Manokan Country, this city’s famous chicken barbeque site at the Reclamation Area, for the congressman’s announcement. They chanted “Mayor, mayor, mayor” while holding placards with the words, “Bring back Bing.” Leonardia, who served as city mayor for 12 years, said he will file his certificate of candidacy (COC) on Thursday, Oct. 15. His announced his mayoral bid days before the highlights of the MassKara Festival, this city’s world-renowned celebration of people wearing ingenious costumes dancing on the streets and wearing masks that reflect the jovial Negrense spirit. Puentevella, who is seeking reelection, has not yet announced when he will file his COC. “Let them file ahead of us. I’m not in a hurry,” he said. Leonardia said deciding to run for mayor was not easy. His wife and some friends preferred that he seek reelection in the House of Representatives where they believe his chances of winning is bigger. “If you run for mayor, your opponent is an incumbent and has [a lot of] resources to defeat you,” said Leonardia. Leonardia and Puentevella have been constantly at odds. Puentevella has alluded to the congressman’s camp as behind a plot to oust him from city hall (he is facing suspension over a graft charge before the Sandiganbayan for the alleged misuse of his Priority Development Assistance Fund when he was still this city’s congressman). Leonardia, on the other hand, accused Puentevella of blocking the infrastructure projects that he had been lobbying for. The congressman, a member of the Nationalist People’s Coalition and leader of the local political group, Grupo Progreso (GP), also announced that he will declare GP’s complete lineup tomorrow. Also present at Leonardia’s declaration were Vice Mayor Greg Gasataya; councilors El Cid Familiaran, Em Ang and Caesar Distrito; former councilors Al Victor Espino, Atty. Renecito Novero, Ricardo Tan, Dindo Ramos and wife Jane; Cindy Roxas; Israel Salanga; and Marlon Solidom./PN BY MAE SINGUAY
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