THE ranks of the Liberal Party (LP) in Zamboanga del Sur may be few but it sure is composed of reform-oriented local officials and candidates led by incumbent Vice Gov. Roseller “Roy” Ariosa.
Ariosa, former ally of Gov. Aurora Cerilles in Lakas-Kampi, is running against the governor’s husband, 2nd District Rep. Tony Cerilles, for the governorship.
Ariosa ties up with another of Cerilles’ former protégé, Lakewood mayor Domingo “Doming” Mirar, who wants to take Ariosa's soon to be vacated seat.
“We are ready to face and present to the people our platform together with my line-up,” Ariosa told this paper over the weekend.
He adds LP’s platform is to have a “change in the system through the implementations of new programs and good services to the people without any political color.”
Running for representation in the first district is another LP stalwart, lawyer Romeo “Boyet” Vera Cruz, vice chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), who will square off with incumbent Congressman Victor Yu.
Broadcaster Dinah Marasigan, Cesar “Diolo” Dacal, Mario Fermindoza, Hope Florendo of Labangan and former NBI agent and lawyer Glen Peralta compose LP’s lineup for the first district provincial board.
Lawyer Tersindo “Dodong” Poloyapoy is running against the governor for congressman in the second district along with colleagues Emiliano Deliverio, Andres “Andy” Nacilla, Dr. Lucas Leonardo Jr. of Guipos, former Tabina mayor Romulo Vic Lomo and former Bayog mayor Emercindo Fullo as guest candidate for the provincial board in the second district.
“We did not put-up candidate for mayor in Pagadian City except for lawyer Tata Quicoy and mediaman Anacleto “Boy” Deliverio as bets for the city council because we believe in the leadership of Mayor Sammy Co and his programs for development of the city,” Ariosa justified.
However, the vice governor said that in the municipal level for the first district, the LP has filled up candidates from Mayor down to the municipal councilor except in Ramon Magsaysay.
For the second district, they only filled five towns with complete line-up: San Pablo, Dinas, Tigbao, Tabina and Lakewood while in Dumalinao, the LP fielded one candidate for vice mayor along with candidates for the Sangguniang Bayan. The rest of the municipalities have guest candidates.
“I hope that the people will vote wisely and choose right the person they believe can give real public service. With the election automation, I believe that cheaters will have no chances to do their schemes,” Ariosa said.
REPORT BY JONG CADION