BACOLOD City — A “third force” in Bacolod politics may emerge in the 2016 national election, a city councilor claimed.
From what he has gathered, the group that aims to face the city’s major political forces was asking support from a “kingpin” in Negros Occidental, said Councilor El Cid Familiaran. Familiaran did not name any politician who could be a part of the looming “third force” but denied any involvement. He did not identify the “kingpin.” Political archenemies Mayor Monico Puentevella and Rep. Evelio Leonardia have strong following among voters in this capital city. Leonardia, after serving three terms as mayor from 2004 to 2013, ran for lone district representative in the May 2013 mid-term election and won. In the same election, Puentevella won as mayor and consequently replaced Leonardia. In Negros Occidental, the two most influential political key players were former ambassador Eduardo Cojuangco and 3rd District’s Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez. Leonardia has been a member of the Nationalist People’s Coalition under the leadership of Cojuangco. According to Familiaran, those behind the “third force” were already holding a series of meetings. While he did not name names, the councilor said the “third force” comprises mostly former councilors identified with Leonardia. Familiaran said that, in politics, it is normal for some politicians to form another group, especially if they no longer feel comfortable with their present allies. Puentevella, for his part, is willing to face any political force in 2016. The mayor said that “third force” might end up siding with him. And that is “very good, that politicians who were against me before will become my allies,” he said. “That is good for Bacolod.”/PN By MAE SINGUAY Panay News
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