ILOILO – Peaceful elections are expected in this province next year. Leaders from different political parties here agreed to stand together.
On Thursday, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., chairman of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP–Laban), confirmed he had a talk with Vice Gov. Christine “Tingting” Garin, a member of the Nacionalista Party (NP), for their tandem.
Defensor decided not to put any candidate from his party as vice gubernatorial candidate.
Garin, in representation of Iloilo’s 1st District and her family, also committed that they did not have any candidate for governor.
“Naka-trabaho na kita sang sobra duha ka tuig, maayo man ang direction kag relasyon naton,” Defensor said, referring to Garin.
Should there be an emerging personality who would run for governor or vice governor, Defensor assured they will not come from either NP or PDP-Laban.
Defensor’s confirmation came a day after congressmen Michael Gorriceta (2nd District) and Raul Tupas (5th District), both members of NP, endorsed Garin as Defensor’s tandem.
CONGRESSMEN
The scenario would be the same for the incumbent congressmen in Iloilo province.
“The same ang direction nga indi na magkumplikto ang aton kampanya, maupod kita paagi sa indi pagkontrahanay,” said Defensor.
It’s a sure win for incumbent Janette Garin of 1st District (NP), Gorriceta, Lorenz Defensor of 3rd District (PDP-Laban), and Tupas.
Defensor could not confirm who among the Biron family will run as congressman for the 4th District.
The incumbent congressman there is Cong. Braeden John Biron (NP).
MUNICIPAL LEVEL
According to Defensor, he will talk to Cong. Garin or any member of the Garins about their municipal level candidates.
Defensor said he has party-mates in the 2019 elections who want to run for positions at the municipal level that could possibly conflict with the candidates of the Garins.
As for the 4th District, Defensor said they had a conversation with former congressman Ferjenel Biron.
Defensor already talked to Gorriceta and Tupas and they have already started fielding their candidates.
In the 3rd District, Lorenz Defensor takes the lead in talking to political leaders especially mayoralty candidates./PN