Marañon denies rift in local UNA

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. denied rumors of a rift among members of the United Negros Alliance (UNA), a coalition of local officials belonging to different national political parties.

The rumors came out when the UNA meeting, scheduled on June 19, did not push through and was postponed instead.

Marañon, who chairs UNA, said the meeting was postponed because the notices to its members were sent too late and did not reach some of the members in time for the meeting. He said the meeting will be moved to next week.

While declaring there was no rift within the party, Marañon said the UNA meeting was supposed to discuss the party’s lineup for the 2013 elections.

Media reports had stated that UNA member, Rep. Jules Ledesma (1st district, Negros Occ), was inclined to oppose Marañon’s bid for reelection as governor.

When asked for comment on this matter, Marañon said he has no idea about it. — THE FREEMAN