Wednesday, July 12, 2017
By Teresa D. Ellera

NEGROS Occidental Fifth District Board Member Alain Gatuslao said on Tuesday, July 11, that party members are proposing that the United Negros Alliance (Unega) hold a convention to set their plans and agenda for the 2019 elections.

“This will be a fellowship among Unega members because we have been talking to each other but we haven’t met as a group,” he said.

Unega is chaired by Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., who is on his third and final term.

Gatuslao said Unega members are united although they do not belong to the same national party.

He added that since Marañon is already on his last term, their ultimate goal is to unify Negros like what it used to be.

The board member also hinted that an alliance with rival party Love Negros is possible before end of the year.

Gatuslao added that Unega has already pledged support to Third District Representative Alfredo Benitez’s future political plans.

“As what the governor said, we will support him whether he runs for governor or senator. The window is very much open for Congressman Albee for senator. It has been our dream to have a senator from Negros. He has been supporting local candidates and now if he runs for governor, he is very much qualified and capable so he is worthy of our support,” Gatuslao said.

As to Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson running for governor, Gatuslao said he is only speaking based on what he has heard with Unega that their leaning is more on Benitez.

He added that he has also been supportive of the legislative agenda of Lacson.