More members of the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD here are eyeing to join the Nacionalista Party (NP) as the deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacies draw near.
Some aspirants belonging to the administration camp who have been jostling for official party nomination would be leaving Lakas-Kampi with the apparent anointment of their rivals.
HERRERA, ABAPO
A leading administration stalwart who is the president of the league of mayors, Catigbian Mayor Roberto Salinas was ditched by the party who favored former governor Rene Relampagos despite declaring his bid for the first district congressional seat.
Salinas was reportedly "shocked" to learn from gubernatorial candidate Rep. Edgar Chatto that he is not the anointed party bet for the first congressional district despite signifying his intention to run.
The Catigbian mayor have been seen campaigning in the towns of the first district the past weeks, reportedly spending "a significant amount" believing he secured foothold of the ruling coalition.
Yesterday, the provincial directorate of the Lakas-Kampi convened at the La Roca Hotel, where Relampagos was confirmed as the official bet for the first district.
Clinching official party nomination also had its toll on several mayoralty candidates and loyal party members of Lakas-Kampi.
The Nacionalista Party (NP) led by gubernatorial aspirant Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera benefited from the exodus of former Lakas-Kampi partymates with Provincial Administrator Tomas Abapo Jr. as running mate. Abapo used to be Lakas-Kampi secretary general before he jumped to the NP.
As of presstime last night, Herrera's camp was in the process of completing its slate in the provincial level.
In the first district, the Bohol-NP taken City Kagawad Oscar Glovasa as its congressional bet for the 1st district while City councilor Danilo Bantugan will run for the provincial board (1st dist).
In the second district, NP will field for provincial board members businessman Gerry Garcia (Pres. C.P. Garcia), incumbent board member Josephine Socorro Jumamoy (Inabanga) and former Liga ng mga Barangay president Romulo Cepedoza.
Three aspirants have been named to be running for provincial board members in the 3rd district. They are incumbent board member Bienvinido Molina (Alicia), Philippine Councilors' League (PCL) president Brigido Imboy and Jagna municipal councilor Senen Lloren.
YAP-RELAMPAGOS BARGAIN
Rep. Chatto reportedly offered Salinas the position for board member of 1st district. But the latter refused and retorted to Chatto to let his wife, Pureza Chatto, to run instead.
Salinas inquired what made the party decide to accommodate Relampagos, who is not even a party member, the Chronicle source said Sec. Arthur Yap was vital for the naming of Relampagos as the Lakas congressional bet in the first district.
With this development, Salinas may run for re-election as Catigbian mayor for third term, the source said, saying the political realignment of Catigbian is expected to take shape. The source added that until now the slate of Lakas in said town has yet to be completed because they were awaiting for Salinas to settle for congressman.
The LMP boss was quoted as saying that he is still ready to run even outside Lakas but was prevailed upon since his kin wanted him to stay put with Lakas. - Bohol Chronicle
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