ILOILO – Former provincial administrator and now Concepcion’s Mayor-elect Raul Banias said he is “not interested” in the League of the Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) – Iloilo Chapter presidency.
He stressed that he wants to focus on being Concepcion’s local chief executive, his comeback from a 12-year hiatus in the Northern Iloilo town’s local government scene.
According to Banias, outgoing Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. and Governor-elect Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. are well aware of this.
“Nag-surface ang akon ngalan sa [list of] LMP [president nominees] pero gin-istorya ko si Governor-elect Toto Defensor kag si Gov. Art Defensor nga indi ako interesado because I really have to concentrate sa akon nga banwa kay daw neophyte mayor ako. Twelve years ako nga wala sa banwa. I really have to focus,” said Banias.
There are many problems that need to be addressed in Concepcion, according to Banias.
“Kadamo sang problema sa banwa. Sa paglibot ko sa kampanya nakita ko ang dapat nga hirimuon. I really have to get the support of our local councilors. I only have four out of 10 sa SB (Sangguniang Bayan),” said Banias.
Meanwhile, Governor-elect Defensor Jr. said no formal discussion has been made among majority of mayors on who to endorse as LMP-Iloilo president.
“Ang matuodtuod wala pa gid ginasugilanonan… asta pa lang kita sa stage nga ginatan-aw naton kon sin-o posible magpadalagan,” said Defensor Jr.
Despite turning down the endorsement, Defensor Jr. said Banias might still change his mind.
Aside from Banias, Mayor-elect Mediatrix “Trexie” Fernandez of San Enrique town is also eyed for the LMP presidency.
The current LMP-Iloilo president is Mayor Jett Rojas of Ajuy, who expressed no interest of being reelected in the post.
The LMP election will be in July./PN
