The president of the Bacolod Real Estate Development Authority yesterday confirmed that Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella met with him Saturday in Bacolod City.

In a phone interview, Simplicio Palanca told the DAILY STAR that they discussed political and non-political issues but refused to disclose any details. Reports said Puentevella met with Palanca to request him to have Vice Mayor Renecito Novero run under his party for Mayor while former Mayor Luzviminda Valdez will run for vice mayor.

Novero is running for congressman of Bacolod under the Nationalist People's Coalition headed by Mayor Evelio Leonardia as city chairman.

When asked for his reaction Puentevella said "I have no comment, let Palanca answer."

Eric Tenerife, Puentevella's media liaison, said he is not aware if the solon met with Palanca. But if he did there is nothing wrong with it since he believes all candidates see Palanca, he said.

Tenerife said the people at City Hall are just very jealous. He said there is nothing wrong if a candidate would see Palanca and they should not be alarmed if they believe they are strong.

Tenerife said the Puentevella-Valdez-Sy tandem is already concrete and in due time they will be filing their certificates of candidacy under the administration party.

Leonardia yesterday said he heard about the news through a very reliable source while he was in Talisay. He said he does not know if Novero is aware that the solon met with Palanca since he has not discussed the matter with him yet.

Meanwhile, Leonardia said the brother of Transportation Assistant Secretary Ricardo Tan has personally committed to join them, when informed that former Bacolod police director Chief Supt. Vicente Ponteras, who is running for Mayor, had claimed he has the support of Tan.

Leonardia said he heard that Tan was denied endorsing any mayoralty candidate. He said he cannot choose his political opponents, but he is ready for any scenario.

He said Roberto, Tan's brother, is in their line up under the NPC.

Asked if that means Tan is supporting him, Leonardia said "I leave that up to the imagination of the people in the meantime."

He said they have not yet finalized their line-up but those apparently with them are most of the incumbents, namely Councilors Dindo Ramos, Greg Gasataya, Homer Bais, Al Victor Espino, and Napoleon Cordova.

Leonardia said former Councilor Roberto Rojas, Jack Estrella, Wilson Gamboa Jr., and Roberto Tan are also joining their slate.

He said they have not yet made a final decision on who will run for vice mayor but they will make a formal announcement later and that they will file their COC's anytime before the deadline.

There were earlier reports that Councilor Jude Thaddeus Sayson had been offered to run as vice mayor under the NPC.*CGS

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