Golez, however, claimed he had accepted the post and was just waiting for his appointment papers.
There was no word though from Malacañang yesterday on whom President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo would appoint.
Golez has the backing of the National Federation of Sugarcane Planters, Panay Federation of Sugarcane Farmers Inc. and the United Sugar Producers Federation of the Philippines.
Ledesma, on the other hand, has the support of the Confederation of Sugar Producers Association Inc., National Council of Unions in the Sugar Industry and the millers’ group.
Other Negrense appointees are Antonio Gatuslao, presidential legislative liaison officer; Rene Villa, presidential assistant for Western Visayas; and Arturo Valdez, transportation and communications undersecretary. — Antonieta Lopez