For La Carlota City Mayor Jeffrey Ferrer, the time to seek a higher office has come. Ferrer formally announced yesterday his bid for the post of representative of the 4th District of Negros Occidental, after outgoing Rep. Charlie Cojuangco endorsed him to become his successor, under the National People's Coalition-United Negros Alliance. At a press conference in a Bacolod hotel yesterday, Ferrer was joined by Gov. Joseph Marañon, UNA chairman and his wedding godfather, whom he said lent him encouragement and wise counsels in doing his job as a public official.

"He (Marañon) has always said that in our efforts to render public service we must wait for the perfect time - and then to act accordingly. To (me) that perfect time has come," Ferrer said.

Ferrer, who was also joined by all 4th district mayors, except for Valladolid Mayor Ricardo Presbitero, said he owes his congressional bid to his godmother, Gretchen Cojuangco, who dropped her earlier plan to run for Congress. "It is with a deep sense of humility on my part when my Maninay Gretchen Cojuangco expressed her decision not to run. Earlier, when she broached the possibility that she will run in May 14, I assured her of my 100 percent support. Nevertheless, I was also of the opinion that if she will not be a candidate, I will run for Congress," he said.

He added, "I am wholeheartedly thanking Mrs. Gretchen Cojuangco for her generous decision. This is a great sacrifice on her part…I am greatly indebted to her."

Ferrer thanked Rep. Cojuangco for extending to him his trust and confidence and said he is also grateful to NPC-UNA chairman emeritus Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. for appointing him as (the party's) standard bearer in the 4th District. Board Member Ike Barredo, who was earlier reported to run for Congress under NPC-UNA until Ferrer was chosen as the party's standard bearer, said he is supporting Ferrer's bid for the sake of party unity and progress.

"As a good party man, I will abide by the party decision. I put my trust and confidence in the good mayor (Ferrer)," Barredo said, adding that, "my presence alone speaks for itself." Fourth district mayors present were Janet Torres of Bago City, Luis Mondia of Pulupandan, Jilson Tubillara of San Enrique, and Joeben Alonso of Pontevedra. Vice Mayor Demie John Honrado of La Carlota, who will run for mayor, also came. Ferrer is married to Negrense lawyer Juliet Marie de Leon, daughter of television director-producer Kitchie Benedicto.*NLG

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