Ibuna to seek Iggy's post if...

BACOLOD CITY  ,Philippines – Grace Ibuna, the long-time partner of the late Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo, yesterday said she will run for congresswoman in a special election in the fifth district of Negros Occidental if her bet is not chosen in a local consensus to be held today.

Ibuna said she is supporting the candidacy of Binalbagan Mayor Alejandro Mirasol.

“I can trust Mirasol to continue the projects that Iggy started in the district,” Ibuna said in a statement.

However, if Mirasol will not get the endorsement in the local consensus, Ibuna said, “I will run for the congressional seat in the coming special election.”

The local consensus today in the fifth district will choose its candidate for the special poll on June 2. The choice is between Mirasol and board member Emilio Yulo III.

More than 750 officials composed of mayors, vice mayors, councilors, and barangay heads and councilmen from the towns of Hinigaran, Binalbagan, Moises Padilla, and La Castellana, and Himamaylan City, will choose between Mirasol and Yulo.

While Mirasol is perceived to be the frontrunner, Yulo also enjoys considerable support from the people having been a former vice governor.

Only the town of Isabela is not included in the consensus because its former mayor, Renato Malabor, had reportedly signified his intention to run for congressman in the fifth district even before Arroyo died.

Ibuna said she is closely watching the political dynamics in Arroyo’s district to ensure that “there will be a continuation of Iggy’s projects and his constituents are well taken care of for the remainder of his term.”

Ibuna is expected to fly to Negros today to personally watch the consensus.

The Commission on Elections has set the special election in the fifth district of Negros Occidental on June 2, with a budget of P30 million, after the House of Representatives approved a resolution mandating it.