The third district mayors of Negros Occidental did not join President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's political party, Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino, to put up a candidate against incumbent Rep. Jose Carlos "Kako" Lacson of the Lakas party, Murcia Mayor Esteban Coscolluela, KAMPI third district chairman, said.

KAMPI has an alliance with Lakas and other political parties and we will not do anything to break it, we will not field a candidate for congressman, he said.

Board Member Reynaldo Depasucat who has said he may run for congressman of the third district was not among the Negros officials who took their oaths before KAMPI Monday at the Manila Hotel.

Aside from Coscolluela the third district mayors who joined KAMPI are Severo Palanca - Victorias, Silay - Carlo Gamban, EB Magalona - Alfonso Gamboa and Talisay - Eric Saratan.

The third district mayors said they joined KAMPI because they believe in its vision and mission, a joint statement released by Coscolluela said.

Coscolluela said the speech made by President Arroyo during the party's national convention was very inspiring.

"We would like to echo President Arroyo's call that we should fight for the country and not among ourselves," Coscolluela said.

He said that the third district mayors support Arroyo's national agenda that pushes for more jobs, stable prices, and peace and order.

"It jives with the vision of the Metro Third District mayors of establishing sustainable development in our respective area," Coscolluela said.

The mayors in the third district, Coscolluela said, agreed with the President that the political campaign for the May 14 polls should not divert their attention from expanding their education and healthcare programs.

Aside from the third district chairmen for KAMPI chapters in the rest of the districts, towns and cities if Negros Occidental were also named Monday, Provincial Chairman Melvin Ibañez announced.

Rep. Ignacio Arroyo (Neg. Occ., 5th district), KAMPI Western Visayas chairman, said those named KAMPI chairmen who are members of other political parties will not give up their original party affiliations. They will have "dual citizenships", he said.

Negros Occidental Gov. Joseph Marañon said he did not see the KAMPI appointment of chairmen in the province as a threat.

"KAMPI might be preparing for a grand battle for the next election, not this election," he said.*CPG

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