Negros Politics: Negros Occidental Governor Could Run for Reelection in 2013

There is an even chance that incumbent Negros Occ. Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. could run for reelection next year for the same position as governor, the province’s top post.

This was the conclusion of journalist-interviewer Edgar Cadagat and broadcaster Jeffrey Gelangre, in an interview with the province’s top political honcho, last Tuesday.

When asked whether he would run for reelection, Marañon said if his health, therefore his bodily constitution, would allow it he would throw his hat into the political ring once again.

“One cannot be fully sure about his health,” said Marañon at the same time naming a UNIFED employee Fritz Rodriguez, who was evidently in the pink of health who had succumbed and surprisingly to a heart ailment. For months, there have been speculations in media and political circles who would be candidates for the top provincial post come next year, 2013.

The names of Congressman Jeffrey Ferrer had come up as a likely candidate. To one extent, Vice Governor Genaro “Lim-ao” Alvarez had been mentioned, too. But Alvarez, on several occasions had attached a “but” into his answer, saying that if the Governor was no longer interested in the position for whatever reason there was, he might be prodded to throw his hat into the gubernatorial ring. Ferrer, too, hedged saying there was a deciding political party convention and he could not just decide on his own although he denied he was ever interested in the position.

Political analysts contend that the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) guru Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco, will remain a factor, in fact the major factor in pinpointing who his and the NPC candidates for the post will be.

With Marañon indicating his availability for the position still, although with a but, he is now already a shoo-in for the coming 2013 polls.

The Negros Occidental Governor also said he still has many programs which are yet to be finished and he would welcome an additional opportunity to be able to push through with it.*