Local News: Local Slate Open to First Five, Puentevella Declares
The door is always open to former MONOPAL candidates for the position of councilors in the coming 2013 elections, former Congressman Monico Puentevella, who is widely believed to head the electoral ticket for one of the opposition parties here, said in a chance interview by NNF at the Punta Taytay Beach resort, during yesterday’s celebration of St. John’s Day or the water festival also called "Biray."
Contrary to talks going the rounds, the First Five or his former partymates, namely Councilors Archie Baribar, Sonia Verdeflor, El Cid Familiaran and Elmer Sy are welcome anything to join the party’s slate, said Puentevella, who came to Punta Taytay in the restaurant operated by Village head Rufino Alcala.
They are not being ignored or estranged from the aggrupation or coalition, said Puentevella. He continues to value their support and friendship, said the former congressman.
Puentevella is bruited about to head the mayoralty ticket with former mayoralty candidate Vladimir Gonzalez, candidates for councilor, and old partymates, Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, Ann Marie Palermo and several other aspirants. There are as many as 30 people aspiring for the position of councilors, it was pointed out.
As to a possible formal alliance with Congressman Dr. Anthony Golez, the group of Dilag, Gonzalez and Gamboa appeared to welcome it and Puentevella says, he may meet with Golez later, but conceded that he and Mayor Evelio Leonardia were like fish and water but who may not come together.
The likelihood of Golez adopting Puentevella’s slate from mayor down to to councilor-candidates was welcome, Puentevella, Dilag and Gonzalez indicated.*
