Villarante mum on party changes

CEBU, Philippines - With One Cebu gubernatorial candidate Winston Garcia throwing support to the United Nationalist Alliance, is Talisay City Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante keen on following suit?

Villarante remained mum on the matter when reporters asked him yesterday. He had earlier declared his support to Garcia even if his mayoral candidacy in Talisay City this May was nominated by the Nationalist People’s Coalition.

Villarante’s silence on the matter was reportedly influenced by NPC officials.

NPC is backing the candidacy of presidential aspirant Grace Poe while UNA is supporting another presidential bet, Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Villarante pointed out that he respects Garcia's decision, as well as that of the NPC party which told him remain tight-lipped on the issue at the moment.

However, he said if he would be given free will by his national party, then he would follow Garcia in supporting Binay for president. Villarante said local candidates supported by the NPC are in a quandary because of Poe's pending disqualification cases while the elections are fast approaching.

He said a national party is very important for them to sustain their campaign locally. This as the national party would give them funds for the purpose.

The vice mayor said Binay may be facing charges, but he thinks that the latter has the capacity to be the next president based on his performance.

As a lawyer, Villarante said the law must be respected when it says that a man is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Villarante will face incumbent Mayor Johnny De los Reyes and former congressman and mayor Eduardo Gullas in the race to Talisay’s mayoralty position come May. (FREEMAN)