A member of the Central Negros Electric Cooperative board of directors, Cesar Leonardia, yesterday announced his plans to run for councilor of Bacolod City in 2007, and said it is because some people are abusing the goodness of his younger brother, Mayor Evelio Leonardia.

He made the announcement during a press conference at the residence of former Bacolod Mayor Oscar Verdeflor which was attended by former Mayor Luzviminda Valdez, and former Councilors Juan Ramon Guanzon and Pepito Malapitan.

Cesar Leonardia said he does not want those people to continue abusing the goodness of the Mayor. "My younger brother is too good, that is why he needs a "demonyo (devil)" by his side and that's me, " he said.

He said he is not joining any political group but will run as an independent candidate. He said most politicians are only good when they are asking for your vote but when they are in power, they no longer serve but work for their re-election. Except for his brother, he said.

Asked for his reaction, Mayor Evelio Leonardia said it's a free country and anybody can run. "We cannot choose our allies and opponents," he said, "I think talking about politics now is still premature, though."

Verdeflor, meanwhile, said in an interview over Aksyon Radyo that he is running for Mayor in 2007 against Leonardia. But if the recall move filed by Valdez against Leonardia prospers, he will support the former, he said.

Ironically it was Valdez who had wrested the mayoralty post from Verdeflor who was not able to finish his term in 2001.

He also said their meeting yesterday was not in preparation for the 2007 elections but the gathering was in support of Jose Ruiz who is running for Ceneco director.

Meanwhile, Verdeflor said it is "unjust" of the city to ask for P17.5 million from BREDCO in compensation for the management and operation of the port when BREDCO has operated it for almost a century. He said the P1 million offer of BREDCO against its present P800,000 annual rental is enough.

Leonardia said it is puzzling that the city has present and former officials who are supposed to work for its best interests but who appears to be on the side of BREDCO. He said BREDCO is supposed to be a partner of the city but this relationship must not also prejudice the welfare of one against the other.*CGS

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