Rep. Emilio Macias II (2nd District, Oriental Negros) said he is supporting the candidacy of Councilor Manuel "Chiquiting" Sagarbarria for the mayoralty post in Dumaguete City in the 2007 elections.

Macias made the statement following the pronouncements of Mayor Agustin Perdices that he is considering a higher position, leaving the city open to new names, like Provincial Board Members Arturo Umbac and Mariant Escaño Villegas. Macias, however, did say why he is not supporting Umbac, who is his partymate.

Observers said, though, that the scenario may still change as soon as the candidates' application for a "three-year extension" will materialize through the proposed charter change.

Perdices said everybody is free to issue pronouncements of support at this time when everything is still uncertain with regards to the people's initiative.

He said he was surprised about the challenge for Vice Mayor William Ablong to run for mayor in Dumaguete, when the latter had already issued statements he is not interested in the position. Macias said that it could also be possible that Perdices will be endorsed by officials of two other cities in the Second Congressional District to run for a congressional seat.

He added that Mayor Baltazar Salma of Tanjay and Bais City Mayor Hector Villanueva may also decide to support Perdices if the latter runs for congressman instead of the governorship.*JG

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