Rep. Emilio Macias II (Neg. Or., 2nd district) confirmed that he is running for governor of Negros Oriental in the May 2007 polls.

Macias was the undefeated governor of the province until his term ended and incumbent Governor George Arnaiz took over.

Macias said he considers the achievement of Arnaiz as the Outstanding Governor of the Province his greatest challenge. Arnaiz has done a lot of good projects in the province which made him gather prestigious awards, he said. He cannot promise awards like Arnaiz but he is committed to continue his projects especially in bringing development to the hinterland barangays.

Macias said he has been thinking to retire from politics after his term as congressman in the 2nd District, but the people and his political friends encouraged him to return to the Provincial Government.*MA

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Meanwhile, filing of certificates of candidacy for both local and national positions started yesterday, but as usual, not a single candidate showed up in any Commission on Election office in the province. Regional Comelec officer Manuel Advincula is advising prospective candidates to file early and attach a drug test result to their certificates.

Saturday was also the start of the gun ban period reminding civilians, including the candidates, that to carry firearms, one must have a written authority from the committee on firearms and security personnel of the Comelec in Manila. Even members of the armed forces and the PNP can only carry their issued firearms when in complete uniforms and in the performance of their official duties and functions. When they are off duty and in civilian cloths, they will be answerable to the law.

Security agencies are also enjoined to secure exemptions for their blue guards.

They may be exempted while on duty, but when there are complaints from the public, Advincula said his office has to enforce the law.*JG

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