Negros Occidental Gov. Joseph Marañon has denied involvement in the politics of Bacolod City, Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia said yesterday, when asked about speculations over the radio that Marañon is supporting the candidacy of former Bacolod police director Senior Supt. Vicente Ponteras.

Leonardia said that Marañon called him up a few days ago, and told him that he is not getting involved in Bacolod politics because he has nothing to gain from it.

Perhaps the Governor heard his name being dragged in, Leonardia said, and being my godfather, he was just concerned.

Marañon stressed that the UNA-Lakas Aliance has not endorsed Ponteras or anybody to run for mayor in Bacolod. He said the party does not yet have a line-up for the 2007 elections.

Like Marañon, Leonardia also said yesterday that it is too early to talk about politics since the election is still more than a year from now.

He said he prefers to concentrate on his work because many things are happening in Bacolod. "We have the entry of Shoe Mart, the call centers, and we want to finish the new slaughterhouse, the bus terminal, the government center, among others."

He also said he believes that if he engages himself in politicking now, it will only hurt the delivery of services to the people, so he prefers to focus more on his job as City Mayor in the meantime.

Leonardia said he is not surprised that Ponteras is eyeing the mayoralty post because he is aware that there are many who are aspiring to become mayor. The more, the merrier, so the people will have more choices, he said. Ponteras had said he is running for mayor because he wants to serve Bacolod. He said he is offering himself to the people so they will have more candidates to choose from. He said he is already holding meetings to get the pulse of the people and so far he is getting favorable feedback, he added.

As for his visits to the barangays, Leonardia said they are part of his routine, and he has been doing it since he became Mayor.

Leonardia visited Barangays 20 and 23 Tuesday to inspect the drainage systems of both barangays and encourage residents to properly dispose of their waste in garbage cans and not to throw them in the canals in order to prevent flooding and the possible spread of diseases.

Leonardia reported on the city's developments and answered queries of residents on issues concerning his administration.*CGS

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