The United Opposition-Liberal Party in Dumaguete City is bound for a split if minor kinks among partymates are not resolved immediately.

Former mayor and Liberal Party provincial chairman Felipe Antonio Remollo, however, clarified there is no impending rift within the group.

In an impromptu press briefing held Tuesday at his residence in Brgy. Cantil-e, Dumaguete City, several questions were raised as to why mayoralty candidate Art Umbac and some councilors were not present. They are Rotelio Lumjod, Dave Saceda, JV Pro Teves, Rafael Lagahit, Jose Chu, and Mary Anne dela Raya. Present at the briefing were candidates for councilor Nilo Sayson, Ronnel Enario, and Jess Estrabela, and vice mayoralty candidate Woodrow Maquiling.

Remollo said they are endorsing Liberal Party congressional candidate, retired general Ramon Montaño.

Disagreements started within the group because Umbac and some of his councilors were reportedly campaigning for administration candidates, including Dr. Emilio Macias II for governor and Gov. George Arnaiz who is running for congressman against Montaño.

Remollo clarified that, they need candidates who are principled, have a vision for the poor, and are espousing new politics.

Montaño also said he is not a political butterfly because he is an original Lakas member, but was pushed to the opposition camp when his bid for the Senatorial slate was denied by the administration.

He said he is more comfortable now with the opposition.

Despite this predicament, Montaño said he is being supported by Lakas mayors Hector "Tata" Villanueva of Bais City, and officials of Tanjay City and San Jose town.

In Umbac's entire slate, only Maquiling, Sayson, Estrabela and Enario have so far extended their support to Montaño. The rest have yet to officially make a statement.*JG

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