Bacolod Mayor Monico Puentevella said yesterday that they will have big surprises when they finally come out with their complete slate in due time. They are not in a hurry since they are in a good position being incumbents, but he hinted that there could be some new candidates from other camps who will be joining their team. He consults with his group, Pamilya MKK in preparation for the 2016 elections, he said, adding that they have many candidates to choose from. When asked for his comment on the pronouncement of Bacolod Rep. Evelio Leonardia of the Nationalist People's Coalition–Grupo Progreso that their party has drawn up a complete slate for the election next year and that it is going to be a “powerhouse”, Puentevella said let them do what they want. “This is a democracy. They are all our challengers,” he said. His partymate, Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr. said earlier, that they will wait for the NPC-Grupo Progreso to announce their candidates before they announce their official line-up. Gamboa said they are also dependent on the decision of Leonardia on what position he will run for because until now it is not clear whether he will run for mayor or congressman. On reports that independent Councilor El Cid Familiaran is being wooed to run for vice mayor under Grupo Progreso, Vice Mayor Greg Gasataya said this is a matter that NPC should resolve since there were many names laid on the table. As of this time, there are no declarations made yet as to who will run for what position, he said. All are speculations and nothing is final yet unless there is a clear declaration. Former Councilor Dindo Ramos, who is a member of Grupo Progreso, earlier, said he is planning to run for vice mayor if Councilor Roberto Rojas, who is graduating next year, will not run. Gasataya said this will be assessed and evaluated by the party, since it is the party that will issue the certificate of nomination. Nothing is final until the filing of certificates of candidacy, he said. The NPC meeting Sunday was attended by Leonardia, Gasataya, Ramos, Rojas, Councilors Em Ang and Ceasar Distrito, former councilors Al Victor Espino, Mona Dia Jardin, and former National Capital Region-Land Transportation director Ricardo Tan. Meanwhile, Councilor Carlos Jose Lopez said he was not able to attend the NPC meeting because of prior commitment in the Church. God should be prioritized, he said. Lopez said he is immediately apprised and consulted on all matters before and after the meetings. On the other hand, Puentevella said it is the right of the owners of the property in Honorata G. Manalo Street (Buri Road) in Brgy. Mandalagan, Bacolod City if they will file a case against the Department of Public Works and Highways and the city for just compensation. “That is their right as owners of the property. I will not stop them,” he said. Pauline Tumonog-Nuega, legal counsel of the claimants, had said they will also cooperate with the city in filing a malversation case against the DPWH with the Office of the Ombudsman for infusing public funds on privately-owned property. Puentevella said the city will talk to the landowners regarding their claims for just compensation.*CGS BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO
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BACOLOD Mayor Monico Puentevella has ordered Portia Familiaran, wife of Councilor El Cid Familiaran, to go back to her mother unit which is in the General Services Office, with a designation of Administrative Officer ll. This was contained in his memorandum no. 15-08-188 dated August 28, which also designated Cherry Aujero as acting market supervisor effective September 1. Aujero has been in government service for about 20 years and has been assigned under the Office of City Administrator Rolando Villamor, the mayor said. Mrs. Familiaran was previously detailed by Puentevella as acting Market Supervisor IV of Libertad Public Market for two and a half years. The mayor explained that although she performed well in supervising the operation of Libertad Market, she wants to give others an opportunity to serve in the position of Familiaran. "I thanked her for her good performance as market supervisor for two and a half years. But let us give others a chance, too," he said. Reports have it that the transfer of Mrs. Familiaran was triggered by reports that his councilor husband is being groomed to run for vice mayor under the Grupo Progreso ticket of Bacolod Representative Evelio Leonardia. Puentevela, referring to the councilor, said, "It was a good move on my part because her husband and I were together before but now we do not understand where he stands." But Councilor Familiaran said whatever was the real reason for his wife's reassignment, he respects the decision of the appointing authority. Familiaran was an independent candidate who ran under the group “Magnificent Seven” led by former vice mayor Renecito Novero together with Councilors Archie Baribar and Sonya Verdeflor, who are now allied with Puentevella. But he has not confirmed that he will be the candidate of the other party for vice mayor. "My only basis for being considered as the vice mayoralty candidate of the group of Congressman Leonardia is through news reports. But there was never a confirmation from the party itself as they too have members who are interested such as former Councilor Dindo Ramos and graduating Councilor Roberto Rojas. Everything is still liquid and there is no certainty yet as of this time," Familiaran said. The Grupo Progreso- Nationalist People’s Coalition will still meet and decide in the next few weeks before they announce their official and complete slate. BACOLOD City Representative Evelio Leonardia said he has a made decision on what position he will be running for in the 2016 elections, but will make an announcement after a consultation with the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) in Manila. Leonardia said he will also meet with the local members of the NPC in Bacolod soon because he wants to reveal his plan to them first. His decision will be known at the most appropriate time, he added. The lawmaker had conducted consultations with his supporters but he refused yet to divulge the specific position he is eyeing in next year’s elections. There are reports though that Leonardia is keen on reclaiming the mayoral post from perennial opponent Mayor Monico Puentevella. Leonardia said he had been going around listening to his constituents and will consider their sentiments. Asked about the possibility of Councilor El Cid Familiaran joining his group, Leonardia said, “any group for that matter would want to be with him but we are very open for any possibility.” Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Greg Gasataya said he met with Leonardia a couple of times during the wake of the legislator’s brother, but they did not discuss anything about politics. Gasataya said he hopes that the NPC will meet for the second time this month to discuss their plans prior to the filing of the certificates of candidacy in October. (CNC) By CARLA N. CANET BACOLOD City – Lone District Rep. Evelio Leonardia said he has made a final decision for the 2016 elections amid mounting calls from supporters to challenge Mayor Monico Puentevella. But Leonardia declined to reveal his plan pending consultation with the Nationalist People’d Coalition in Manila. “I have made up my mind but I will announce it in due time,” Leonardia said. He will also meet with the local NPC members in the city to tell them of his decision before he makes his announcement. The Bacolod solon, who is serving his first term in Congress , said he had been going around listening to his constituents and their sentiments. He admitted that most of his supporters want him to return to City Hall. Bacolod City Vice-Mayor Greg Gasataya, a close ally of Leonardia, said he has been open to running for congressman if Leonardia decides to run for mayor. When asked about the possibility of Councilor El Cid Familiaran joining his group, Leonardia said “Any group for that matter would want to be with him, but we are very open to any possibility.” Familiaran, who won a city council seat as an independent candidate, expressed willingness to run for vice mayor Leonardia invites to join NPC. By: Dolly Yasa BACOLOD City – The Philippine National Police (PNP) City Advisory Council here favors the proposed permanent site for Bacolod City Police Office’s (BCPO) Police Station 2. Councilor El Cid Familiaran, chair of the advisory council, said the proposed site on a corner lot of Andres Bonifacio Elementary School on 19th Aguinaldo Street here is more “strategic” and “ideal” compared to the police stations’ former office on Lacson Street. It is near “problem areas” — barangays 1, 2, 3, and 4 — which need heightened police visibility, said Familiaran. He assured that Police Station 2 will no longer worry about a possible eviction since the city government owns the property. Mayor Monico Puentevella has pledged his support to BCPO regarding its problem with Police Station 2. He is awaiting BCPO’s budget proposal and structural plan, said Familiaran. PNP will fund the construction, he added. Owners of some business establishments within Police Station 2’s jurisdiction were willing to provide fuel for their service vehicles, said the councilor. Police Station 2 personnel vacated their office on 17th Lacson Street last month after the lot owners sold the property. Their administrative office and detention cell were temporarily housed at BCPO headquarters in Barangay Taculing. They accept blotter reports at the barangay hall in Barangay 5./PN By MAE SINGUAY The members of the Nationalist People's Coalition-Bacolod Chapter are expected to meet early this month to finalize their slate, Bacolod Vice Mayor Greg Gasataya said yesterday. Gasataya said they will decide who will be included in their line-up and who will run for the positions of councilor, vice mayor, mayor and congressman. There are names of aspirants but the posts they will run for are not clear yet, even that of Bacolod Rep. Evelio Leonardia, who serves as the NPC district chairman in Bacolod City, he said. Councilor Roberto Rojas has signified interest in running for vice mayor if the party gives him a chance, and former councilor Dindo Ramos is interested in the post if Rojas decides not to pursue his plan, Gasataya said. Councilor El Cid Familiaran is also among those being considered to be invited to join the group, he said. Gasataya said they expect a second meeting early this month as agreed on by the members of the NPC after which they will make an announcement. However, Leonardia's older brother, former Central Negros Electric Cooperative director, Cesar Lorenzo Leonardia, passed away and will be cremated at the Acropolis Gardens in Barangay Bata, Bacolod City, today, Gasataya said. The congressman is expected to call for a second meeting with fellow NPC officers and members after the mourning period, the vice mayor added. Gasataya said Leonardia has not yet decided whether to seek re-election or run again for mayor of Bacolod. But as early as April, Gasataya said he has declared that he is open to seeking a higher position in the next elections. There is a possibility that the party will chose him to run for congressman if Leonardia decides to run for mayor, he said. On talk that he will also be supported by the MKK camp of Mayor Monico Puentevella, Gasataya said “All are just talks at this point in time. We will wait and see what will happen in the coming days.” Meanwhile, Puentevella said they have not even talked about it although Gasataya is a friend of his. But Puentevella said that in politics everything is possible. "Whoever wants to join our MKK party, come and we will talk about it. We have more than enough candidates for councilors,” he said. Puentevella said that as to the position of congressman and vice mayor, he is still looking for potential candidates for his team. They will declare the members of their line-up in the last week of September, or first week of October, he said.*CGS BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO THE Police City Advisory Council is in favor of the proposed site of the Bacolod Police Station 2 which is at the corner of Andres Bonifacio Elementary School and 19th-Aguinaldo Streets. Councilor El Cid Familiaran, chairman of the council, said the new location of Police Station 2 is a strategic and an ideal place as compared to its previous location at 17th- Lacson Streets. The new site is near to Brgys. 1, 2, 3, and 4 which really need police visibility, he said. Familiaran said if the Police Station 2 headquarters will already be established there, it will look better and will become permanent because the lot is owned by the city government. Even if they are waiting for the budget proposal from the Bacolod City Police Office, Mayor Monico Puentevella has already pledged to help for the establishment of Police Station 2 headquarters, Familiaran said. The PNP National Office is also providing funds for the construction of the building, he added. Several business establishments are also supportive to the police station for they have pledged to provide gasoline for the station. Police visibility is much needed in the area particularly on Lacson Street where fine-dining restaurants are located. Police Station 2 vacated their headquarters on 17th Street last month after the lot owners sold the property. The station’s administrative office and detention cell are temporarily housed in the BCPO headquarters in Barangay Taculing. (CNC) |
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