Will former congressman and now Sagay Mayor Alfredo Marañon Jr. run for governor of Negros Occidental in 2010?

Former President Joseph Estrada, during his visit to Negros Occidental Friday, said he would back Marañon, the brother of the late governor Joseph Marañon, for governor of the province.

Incumbent Negros Occidental Gov. Isidro Zayco has repeatedly stated that he has no intention of running for governor in 2010, and that he would prefer to return to being mayor of Kabankalan City .

Other names being floated as potential gubernatorial bets for 2010 are Rep. Jose Carlos Lacson (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) – Lakas CMD/UNA, and Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer (Neg. Occ., 4th District) – NPC.

However, Marañon, chairman of the United Negros Alliance and a member of the Nationalist People's Coalition, is said to be the favored bet of business tycoon Eduardo Cojuangco, a political kingmaker in the province.

Marañon, when asked for his reaction yesterday, told the DAILY STAR it is too early to start talking about 2010.

But he said if his health will allow, he may consider running for the post in 2010.*CPG

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