OTHER than sending feelers to each other, the two major political groups in Negros Occidental have yet to sit down and lay their cards on the table as far as the proposed unification is concerned. But indications point to a possible coalition between Love Negros of Congressman Albee Benitez and United Negros Alliance (UNegA) of Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. in next year's midterm election.
Once materialized, will it be healthy for local politics?
Honestly, some quarters are hoping that this does not push through. Their reason is simple, the pre-arranged ticket which would result to a "no contest" election in the whole province will deprive the people the chance to exercise their right to choose because there will be no choices to make. Sans political rivalry, elections will be lackluster or uninteresting. But the province's political leaders appear too excited about the idea that it elicited only positive reactions from them. If the unification talks push through, the coalition ticket might be bannered by Vice Governor Eugenio Jose "Bong" Lacson and former Congressman Jeffrey Ferrer for the gubernatorial and vice gubernatorial posts.
However, one could not discount the possibility that despite being prodded to seek a senatorial seat, Benitez might decide to run for governor, instead. Under this circumstance, the coalition ticket will probably be carried by Benitez and Ferrer, not the former solon though but his wife, incumbent Congresswoman Juliet "Yoyet" Ferrer.
This means that whatever is the outcome of the negotiation, there will be a Ferrer in the unified slate. While he has yet to officially announce his intent, Benitez, according to his allies, is more inclined to get a Senate seat than become governor. If this is true, Lacson will surely be the coalition's bet for governorship. But the skeptics are still hoping that the proposed unification will not prosper.
They believe that the absence of an electoral contest is not healthy for local politics. Is it true that the idea of unifying the two rival parties only propped up after Benitez signified his senatorial dream?
Political strategists reportedly prodded Benitez to forge a coalition between Love Negros and UNegA because he needs to get the support of all Negrenses if he wants to win in the senatorial election. Otherwise, his dream will remain as it is, just a dream.
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It's "easier said than done" for those who are eyeing the congressional post of the lone district of Bacolod City. While he hasn't made so much noise, Congressman Greg Gasataya has been busy implementing numerous infrastructure projects in the city for the past two years.
Without any serious issue or controversy involving him or his office, it would be very difficult to defeat him in next year's election. As a silent worker, Gasataya does not boast but his projects speak of his performance. Anyone who would dare snatch the congressional post from him must be ready, financially and politically. Everybody knows that Gasataya belongs to Grupo Progreso, Bacolod's strongest political organization, as of today.
