2 Negros clans bond to thwart Iggy GF
BACOLOD CITY—Two old political families in the 5th district of Negros Occidental are joining forces amid reports that the girlfriend of outgoing Rep. Ignacio Arroyo Jr. may run to take his place when Arroyo’s term expires.
The Yulos, Montillas and former Rep. Apolinario Lozada Jr. of the 5th district want to field a Negrense in the congressional race and “not a San Juan (City) outcast,” said Pulupandan Mayor Magdaleno “Magsi” Peña.
Peña was referring to Grace Ibuna, a native of San Juan City, whom some sectors were reported to be egging to run for 5th district representative in 2013 when the term of her boyfriend, Arroyo, expires.
Peña described the coalition of the Yulo, Montilla and Lozada as an “unbeatable force in the fifth district.”
Montilla, president of the Binalbagan-Isabela Planter’s Association, said he believed Ibuna wanted to take over from Arroyo after his term ends.
While he has no plans of running for congressman, Montilla said he would support anyone who would be fielded by the coalition.
Lozada told Inquirer in a phone interview that he would cooperate with the group of Peña and would support a Negrense for the 5th congressional seat.
Asked if that meant he would not support Ibuna, Lozada replied: “I don’t think she is a Negrense.”
Lozada, appointments secretary of former president Fidel V. Ramos, was former congressman of the 5th district from 1998 to 2004. He lost to Arroyo in the 2004 and 2007 elections.
