Amid the beat of the drums, Gov. Joseph Marañon and the United Negros Alliance candidates from various political parties filed their Certificates of Candidacy at the Negros Occidental Commission on Elections office in Bacolod City yesterday morning.

The mix of candidates from various political parties on our team shows that Negros Occidental can unite if properly handled, the governor said.

"With this unity there is no reason why Negros Occidental can not move forward at a faster pace," he said.

Marañon, 73, is seeking reelection under the Nationalist People's Coalition banner, and running mate Vice Gov. Isidro Zayco, 60, is running under Lakas CMD.

The congressional candidates who filed their CoCs with them were Alfredo Marañon III (KAMPI), 36, second district; Jose Carlos Lacson (Lakas CMD), 65, third district; Jeffrey Ferrer (NPC), 37, - fourth district, Ignacio Arroyo Jr. (Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino/Lakas/UNA), 56, fifth district.

Two other UNA congressional bets - Tranquilino Carmona (NPC) - first district and Genaro Alvarez (NPC) - sixth district filed their CoCs earlier.

BOARD MEMBERS

The candidates for board member who filed their CoCs were for the first district - Fernando Leonor (Lakas CMD), 61, and Nehemias de la Cruz Sr. (NPC/UNA), 56; second district - Miller Serondo (NPC/UNA), 63, and Edgardo Acuña (NPC/UNA), 45;

Third district Patrick Lacson (Lakas CMD), 34, and Manuel Frederick Ko (NPC), 40; fourth district - Janet Torres (NPC), 44, and Mae Javellana (NPC/UNA), 58; fifth district - Melvin Ibañez (KAMPI) - 52; and sixth district - Adolfo Mangao (Lakas CMD), 74, and Macario Zafra Jr. (NPC/UNA), 59.

Dino Yulo (KAMPI) who is running for board member of the fifth district under the alliance said he had to attend a graduation yesterday but will file his CoC today.

CONGRESSMEN

Marañon said that despite the challenge to Arroyo from Jose Apolinario Lozada (LP) and Ferrer by Jorge Camposano (KBL) he is sure they will win. I don't think they have a chance, he said of Lozada and Camposano.

If reelected, Lacson said he promises to continue his brand of sincere public service. "I will continue to address the needs of my constituency and work as a team under the leadership of the governor," Lacson, who was accompanied by his wife Cecilia, said.

Ferrer said if he wins he will concentrate on infrastructure, health and economic development.

Ferrer was accompanied by his wife, Juliet Marie, mother Lydia, mother-in-law Kitchie Benedicto Paulino and Board Member Ike Barredo.

Juliet Marie said their entire family were behind Ferrer's congressional bid. She said her husband has proven during his three years as mayor of La Carlota that he is a hands-on person and that he can do a job.

"He's a good man and in the span of three years while mayor he has done so much. He has big plans for the fourth district, and with the support of everybody, he wants to make those dreams come true," Paulino said.

Arroyo, who was accompanied by friends, said that if reelected, he will see to more infrastructure projects in the fifth district, including classrooms to address the education needs.

Alfredo Marañon III said he will continue to advocate programs for education, agriculture and the environment. "Hopefully I will make an impact on the people of the second district," he said.

OTHERS

Still expected to file their CoCs today as congressional candidates are former Rep. Julio Ledesma of the first district and Reynaldo Depasucat of the third district.*CPG

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