Negros special poll set today

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines  – The special poll in the fifth district of Negros Occidental is set today, with both candidates predicting their victory.

Binalbagan Mayor Alejandro Mirasol of the Liberal Party (LP), and his nephew, Board Member Emilio Yulo III of the Nacionalista Party, are up for a showdown in today’s special election that seeks the replacement of the late congressman Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo.

Mirasol, 58, said he is headed for victory since he has the support of the LP, the United Negros Alliance (UNA), four of the six mayors in the fifth district, and majority of the Yulo clan.

The mayors supporting Mirasol are Hermilo Aguilar of Hinigaran, Francisco Nazareno of Moises Padilla, Francis Malabor of Isabela, and Alberto Nicor of La Castellana.

Only Himamaylan City Mayor Agustin Ernesto Bascon is supporting Yulo. But Yulo, 48, said he is confident he will win, citing seven years of political experience and assistance to the district.

Yulo is also being endorsed by Pulupandan Mayor Magdaleno Peña (of the fourth district), fourth district Board Member Jeffrey Ferrer, and former board member Quito Montilla.

Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr., who chairs UNA, said Mirasol is a sure winner, citing the results of a “scientific survey” that he has commissioned.

The survey, he said, showed Mirasol winning over Yulo with a lead of 12,000 to 15,000 votes. The fifth district has 209,000 registered voters.

Provincial election supervisor Jessie Suarez said Commission on Elections Chairman Sixto Brillantes and his commissioners will observe the conduct of the special poll. 

Grace Ibuna, Arroyo’s long-time partner, said she will cast her vote in today’s special poll. Ibuna, who has endorsed Mirasol, is a registered voter of La Castellana town.  – With Sheila Crisostomo