Local News: Marañon-Ferrer vs Alvarez-Lacson in 2013?

Will 2013 be a battle royale between the tandem of Marañon-Ferrer against the tandem of Alvarez-Lacson?

Sources said La Carlota City Mayor Juliet Ferrer, whose husband 4th District Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer is considered an ally of Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. is reportedly running for vice governor with Marañon in next year’s elections.

On the other hand, former San Carlos City Mayor Eugenio Jose Lacson is being eyed as the running-mate of Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez Jr., who is likely to oppose Marañon’s reelection bid.

Both Marañon and Alvarez have not confirmed the rumors, saying all these talks will either be proven or disputed on October 1 to 5 during the filing of certificates of candidacy (CoCs).

Alvarez yesterday said many things can happen between today and the dates of filing of CoCs, since it is still two months to go, and local officials are likely to change their decisions.

Marañon said the other day that should he and the vice governor run for governor in 2013, it will be a "friendly fight." Alvarez agreed to the governor’s statement saying, "Yes, it will be a very, very friendly fight."

Alvarez maintained he and Marañon are on speaking terms, and they are talking regularly.

Sources said the battle royale between Marañon and Alvarez looms, as both camps are also hinting at the possible encounter.

Marañon, in an interview Tuesday, initially refused to discuss the possible showdown saying, "We will know that after October 5. Right now, it’s still very fluid."

But later, when pressed to comment if the Marañon-Alvarez showdown is going to be a big fight, the governor said it will be a "friendly fight."

The governor’s reaction came after Alvarez confirmed Monday that Negros Occidental mayors belonging to the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) have endorsed his candidacy for governor.

Alvarez said the endorsement was made during a meeting of the 12 Negros Occidental mayors in Manila last Friday.

Marañon is the chairman of NPC in Negros, while Alvarez is its vice chairman.

Alvarez said 1st District Rep. Jules Ledesma and 3rd District Rep. Alfredo "Albee" Benitez have also endorsed him to run for governor.

He added that it is hard for him to turn down the endorsement, but he did not categorically say he will run for governor next year.

A source close to Alvarez told reporters Monday that of the 31 mayors in Negros Occidental, except Bacolod, 17 are reportedly supporting him if he will run for governor.

But Marañon said "more than 19 mayors" are also supporting his re-election bid.*DBDangcalan