Another one?

Former Bacolod Rep. John Orola yesterday declared that he is also seeking either the mayoralty or congressional post in this year's election.

If he runs for mayor, he joins the list of several others reportedly also eyeing the position, like former police chief Vicente Ponteras, former Mayor Luzviminda Valdez, and undersecretary Ricardo Tan.

Orola, however, challenged those who are running to present their program of government, their vision and action agenda.

He said "We need people who are dynamic and have track records to present."

Orola said he is considering running for mayor or congressman but he is still in the process of consultation. He said he is a hands-on man and had been in legislation before and he is looking for a direct relationship with the people and at the same time direct implementation of projects.

He also said he believes there are still many projects waiting to be implemented and he is glad that the administration of Mayor Evelio Leonardia was able to work on the slaughterhouse project. But that remains to be seen, he said.

The construction of the slaughterhouse has recently been awarded to AVM Bernardo and the city council has authorized Leonardia to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the company.

Orola said he plans to turn the Food terminal in Brgy. Alijis into an international arena of trade and exhibit and suggested that the present airport be converted into an economic zone similar to that in Subic and Mactan.

Leonardia said Secretary to the Mayor Roger Balo is already making a study on it, on his instruction. "Personally I have not given up the possibility that it can continue to operate as an airport," Leonardia said.

Leonardia said it would be advantageous if there are many running for mayor so the people will have a wider variety to choose from, when informed that Orola is also eyeing the mayoralty post.

Meanwhile, Leonardia said he never asked the help of Rep. Monico Puentevella during the last election, after the latter said that one of the reasons he is not supporting Leonardia this time is that the mayor has been ungrateful, despite the fact that he (Puentevella) had helped many of the elected officials in 2004. "If he has, indeed, helped, I thank him for that but it doesn't mean he is the only factor in the result of the election," Leonardia said.

"For anybody to say he is responsible for making a candidate win, I think that is plain and simple arrogance," Leonardia said.

Puentevella said, in an interview over Aksyon Radyo, that another reason why he is supporting another mayoralty candidate is that he does not agree with the alleged irregularities involving a certain project being undertaken by the city.

"Look who's talking!" Leonardia said. He said he has been in public service for several years and one consolation he has is that he has never been tagged as a "thief." He said people have seen and know his track record.

Puentevella claimed that it was the camp of Leonardia who first attacked him through black propaganda, but did not specify how or when.

"They fired the first shot," Leonardia said.

He also said Puentevella keeps saying they have no mayor right now but his people have been campaigning for former Mayor Luzviminda Valdez and have even admitted it to some councilors.

Why can they not admit it to the public, he asked.*CGS

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