More local executives join NP

MANILA, Philippines - More and more local government executives and key incumbent officials are joining the Nacionalista Party (NP) led by Sen. Manuel Villar.

Local government officials from Negros Oriental led by Vice Gov. Dino Yulo have already expressed intention to join the NP. 

Another local official from Batangas will also take his oath with the NP following the recent defection from Lakas-NUCD by Camarines Sur Gov. Luis Raymund “Lray” Villafuerte Jr., who is the national chairman of the League of Provinces of the Philippines, Surigao del Norte Gov. Robert Ace Barbers, Davao del Sur Gov. Douglas Cagas, and Biliran Gov. Rogelio Espina.

“The formal oath-taking of more of our leaders is expected to take place soon, solidifying their earlier commitment to support our advocacies for the country,” said Villar, who is yet to announce his running mate.

The latest addition of members represents the NP’s strategic build up and strengthening of grassroots support nationwide.

Villafuerte, who promise to deliver over a million votes, stressed that he joined the Nacionalista Party because it is the strongest and most organized.

He also identified himself with Villar’s executive expertise and accomplishments.

Villafuerte recently joined Villar in Tacloban City where Biliran Governor Espina, who was Lakas’ provincial chair for nine years, and Vice-Gov. Lucila Curso were sworn in.

Four mayors, six vice-mayors, and 136 incumbents in Biliran also took their oaths.

Over 100 incumbents from Samar and Leyte also took their oath as NP members.

Espina is an orthopedic surgeon by profession and is on his third term and eyeing a congressional seat in the 2010 elections.

He said he is supporting Villar because of the latter’s proven leadership ability.

“We need a firm and capable leader like Villar who can steer the country towards combating poverty, the way he managed to arise from it,” Espina stressed.

Boosting the NP’s influence in Mindanao was the defection of Governors Barbers and Cagas from Lakas.

“We expect more to take their oath from Mindanao in the coming days,” Villar said. – Christina Mendez