Another two village chiefs in Bacolod City yesterday, June 5, confirmed they are planning to run for Liga ng mga Barangay (Barangay League) president in July.
They are Rosinie Distrito of Barangay Singcang-Airport and Anthony Ayco of Barangay 15.
Both are supporters of Grupo Progreso (GP).
Last week, village chieftain Jose Maria Leandro Norberto de Leon of Barangay Vista Alegre also confirmed he is planning to run for Barangay League president.
Distrito, brother of Councilor Caesar Distrito, said most of his colleagues convinced him to run for Barangay League president and be their voice in the City Council.
He said he will wait for the decision of GP which was led by Mayor Evelio Leonardia, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran and Congressman Greg Gasataya.
"Whatever their decision, I will respect and I will support it because I have been a loyal supporter of the GP since my first term as barangay captain," he added.
Distrito said this would be his last term as barangay captain so he is considering the top post in Liga ng mga Barangay, to serve not only his constituents but his colleagues.
He said he wants to develop programs for the barangay officials like seminars; to increase the P1,000 city-share of the barangays every month; the on-time release of the Annual Investment Plan (AIP); and the benefits of the barangay officials.
For his part, Ayco said he will also wait and respect the final decision of the GP.
"All of us agreed to abide who will be the standard bearer of the GP as Liga ng mga Barangay (Barangay League) president," he said.
Ayco admitted that he personally talked with Mayor Leonardia to include him in the option as one of the candidates for Barangay League president.
"All of us were qualified, but we will wait for the final decision of the mayor," he said.
Ayco was the former officer-in-charge of Public Employment Service Office (Peso).
Incumbent Barangay League President Councilor Noli Villarosa also said he will run again.
He said he served as Barangay League president for almost five years, but they do not have enough support from the local government in terms of budget.
Villarosa added he is hopeful that the City Council will also consider allotting funds for the project and development of the league.
