Members of the League of Governors have agreed to support at least six common candidates for senator and may include those from the opposition, for the elections this May.

Gov. George Arnaiz said at his year-end press conference over the week-end that the decision was a consensus during the league's meeting in November last year.

Arnaiz, chairperson of the Regional Development Council for Central Visayas, said the league will back those who support local government units.

This can be gleaned from their stand on issues or proposed legislations affecting LGUs, such as the Internal Revenue Allotment, Arnaiz said, adding that those who have been giving projects to LGUs will also be considered very seriously.

The league is yet to come up with names, as this matter is still being studied, the governor added.

Arnaiz said he will personally support Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr., the acknowledged father of the Local Government Code if the latter seeks re-election, as well as Rep. Francis Escudero if the solon runs for senator because they are partymates in the Nationalist People's Coalition.

Pimentel and Escudero are both prominent figures in the opposition.

Arnaiz said that Environment Secretary Angelo Reyes, who is believed to be eyeing a Senate seat, may also get his support for allowing the provincial government to utilize thousands of board feet of confiscated lumber for its projects.

Arnaiz, a close ally of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, said he also believes that the President will not compel the governors to support the whole administration ticket.*RA

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