Local News: Ibuna Meeting with Iggy’s Allies

Grace Ibuna, the long-time partner of the late congressman Ignacio "Iggy" Arroyo, is set to meet with their political allies to get their support for Binalbagan Mayor Alejandro Mirasol who is running for congressman in the 5th District in the June 2 special poll.

Ibuna yesterday said she will just finish her commitments in Manila and then she is coming back here to help in Mirasol’s campaign.

"I really intend to help Bebot (Mirasol’s nickname), I am fighting this fight with Bebot," said Ibuna, who was in Bacolod yesterday to attend the tryout of her daughter, Maria Rafaelle, for the Philippine Women’s Football Under-13 team.

Aside from the campaign, she said she is also going to check on Iggy’s various projects in the 5th District.

Mirasol has expressed interest in running for congressman in the special election on June 2 to fill the post of Iggy. So far, his possible opponent is his nephew, Board Member Emilio Yulo III.

Ibuna said she is meeting Iggy’s allies to get their commitment to support Mirasol. Of the five mayors in the 5th district, four are supporting the bid of Mirasol. They are Hinigaran Mayor Hermilo Aguilar, Moises Padilla Mayor Francisco Nazareno, Isabela Mayor Francis Malabor, and La Castellana Mayor Alberto Nicor.

The Liberal Party and the United Negros Alliance (UNA) had recently endorsed Mirasol’s candidacy. Before that, Ibuna had already expressed his support for Mirasol.

"Bebot is a man of honor. He has passion in what he does and he has done a lot for Binalbagan. He is sincere, not the typical politician who makes promises and breaks them. He has what it takes (to lead the 5th District). That’s how I see him," Ibuna said.

On the petition of election lawyer Romulo Macalintal before the Supreme Court to stop the special poll, Ibuna said, "This is now the administration’s ball. If they push for a special election, we will follow."

Ibuna said Macalintal’s move in petitioning the special poll is perceived as being dictated by some people who will stand to benefit from a delayed election, although she refused to name names.

But Ibuna somehow agree with Macalintal that the special poll is impractical.

"I find it impractical because there’s only a few months left. But it’s the call of administration, it’s their call, we should abide by it."

"Weather-weather lang ang pulitika, sila ngayon ang sikat eh. We should follow the law. There should be law and order," she said.

When asked if she had already abandoned Iggy’s plans for her to run for congresswoman in the 5th District, Ibuna said, "Not really."*(DBDangcalan)