PB Member Escalante: Rift in UNA patched up

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines  — The reported rift within the United Negros Alliance (UNA), particularly between several mayors and Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., has been patched up, according to Provincial Board Member Salvador Escalante Jr.

Escalante confirmed that the rift was due to the complaints of several mayors whose requests for funding for their various projects were not approved by the governor. “There were disgruntled mayors in the south and in the north but they were patched up and the differences were already solved,” Escalante told The Freeman.

Marañon, chairman of UNA and the Nationalist People’s Coalition in Negros Occidental, earlier denied the reported rift in the coalition, saying that the reason for the postponement of the general meeting last month was the short notice given to local officials, and not internal conflicts.

The UNA meeting is now set this August, when the coalition will decide the complete line-up for the 2013 elections, and the governor will also announce whether or not he will seek reelection next year.

Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez, vice chair of UNA and NPC-Negros Occidental, had said he will only run for governor in 2013 if Marañon will not seek reelection. Alvarez added he will abide by the party’s decision. The two top provincial officials said they did not want to clash against each other.

Escalante said even if Marañon and Alvarez clash in the 2013 gubernatorial race, majority of the Negros mayors will reportedly support Marañon.

There were however reports saying that Alvarez has been endorsed by Ambassador Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr., founder of NPC and UNA, and considered the “political kingmaker” in Negros Occidental.  (FREEMAN)