Batangas pols forge alliance

Batangas officials belonging to the administration party Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) and opposition parties like the Reporma and the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP) have banded together to work for the continued progress and development of the province.

The officials, led by Gov. Hermilando Mandanas of Reporma, called their group the "Lakas ng Batangas" which will present a multi-partisan program for development in Batangas.

The group will also oppose the reported bid of former Justice Secretary Hernani Perez, the Lakas-CMD national secretary general, to run for governor under the banner of the administration party.

Aside from Mandanas, the "Lakas ng Batangas" is spearheaded by Batangas City Mayor Eduardo Dimacuha (Lakas-CMD), provincial board member Sergio Atienza (Lakas-CMD) and former governor Vicente Mayo (LDP).

All but one of the seven mayors of the second district of Batangas, the district of Rep. Frank Perez, the former justice secretary’s son, have joined the "Lakas ng Batangas."

Aside from Dimacuha, the second district mayors who agreed to oppose the elder Perez’s reported gubernatorial plans are Nonie Atienza (Tingloy town), Renato Perez (Lobo), Napoleon Lasala (San Luis), Mario Magsaysay (San Pascual) and Rowell Sandoval (Mabini).

Others who have joined the group are former board member Jesus Victor Mayo (LDP), former Bauan mayor Bienvenido Castillo, and Batangas City councilor Steve Buan II (Lakas-CMD).