Mar supporters in Negros defect to PDP-Laban

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – At least 200 elected officials in Negros Occidental who supported the presidential bid of former interior secretary Mar Roxas have defected to the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP)-Lakas ng Bayan.

Led by Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon and Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, the local officials took their oath before Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez on Friday.

Alvarez said President Duterte is “very happy” that a majority of local officials in Negros Occidental have joined his party.

Duterte is coming here today for the opening of the MassKara Festival.

”Even if he lost in Negros, he still loves Negros,” Alvarez said. “The elections are over. It is forgotten. We have to move forward.”

Alvarez said the PDP-Laban is beefing up its membership to muster support for a federal form of government.

He said a massive information and education campaign is needed before Congress can discuss the proposal.