Report: Bolante's gubernatorial bid gets more support

MANILA, Philippines - More support is coming in for former Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn Bolante's gubernatorial bid for Capiz province in 2010, his political allies claimed. Online news site The News Today reported that former Capiz Governor Jose “Ting" Borda claimed Bolante will have the support of nine mayors and five officials. Bolante became controversial after he was tagged as the brains behind the P728-million fertilizer scam. Borda said those who pledged support for Bolante include incumbent Vice Governor Felipe Barredo and mayors Joselito “Bobo" Escutin (Dao), Roger Flores (Cuartero), Leslie Warren “Beboy" Benjamen (Dumarao), Lilia Castro (Dumalag), Rosemarie Gardose (Tapaz), Ethel Jinon (Jamindan), Jose “Joe" Alba (Mambusao), Ipe Yap (Ivisan), and Arturo “Turic" Orosco Sr. (Sapian). Other supporters include former Sigma Mayor Roberto “Sigbur" Sualog, Incumbent Vice Mayor Victoria Quirao, former Panay Vice Mayor and now Sanggunian Bayan (SB) Member Edwin Benliro. The former governor added that Panay Mayor Dante Bermejo and Former Pontevedra Mayor Jojie Avelino will likewise support Bolante’s bid. He also said that some 15 village chiefs also signified their intention to support Bolante but he did not name names. Also, he said several priests will also support Bolante in his candidacy since Bolante was a former seminarian. He added the prospective political supporters were present during a dinner last February 28 at Villa Patria, and signified their intention to support Bolante's gubernatorial bid. He said that 2nd District Rep. Fredenil Castro has united with Bolante, a native of Dao in Capiz. - GMANews.TV