ILOILO City – Councilor R Leone Gerochi is open to running for vice mayor of this southern city if Mayor Jose Espinosa III would ask him.
But Gerochi clarified Espinosa has not extended him yet an invitation to be the mayor’s running mate.
“Yes, I am open. Kon may mag imbitar sa aton, binagbinagon ta eh,” said Gerochi who is now in his third and final consecutive term as councilor.
He stressed he would consider it “kon may mahagad sa akon. Pero siling nga ako gid ya manigal-ot nga masulod sa amo na nga posisyon, indi ko ya.”
Gerochi was reacting to reports he would be Espinosa’s running mate for vice mayor come next year’s midterm election with former councilor Nielex Tupas as as Espinosa’s candidate for congressman.
He said he is not even a part of Espinosa’s inner political circle.
“Tingala man ko gani kon diin naghalin ang balita nga ma-vice mayor ako kay Mayor Joe. Ako wala man kabalo sang line up ‘ya,” said Gerochi.
The city councilor said he has no political plan for now. A lawyer, he said he looks forward to returning to legal practice.
Gerochi further said he already expressed support for Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon’s candidacy.
He will also help campaign and will support the candidacy of Espinosa for mayor.
“Kon ano ang gusto ‘ya nga kaayuhan para sa syudad I would support him…I would campaign for him and kon ano pa dira nga ginapabulig ‘ya sa akon nga obrahon sa syudad to prove that he is a good mayor, I will help him…” said Gerochi./PN
