Days before the start of the local election campaign, the so-called United Opposition in the province of Romblon declared its full and unconditional support to the candidacy of incumbent Governor Eduardo Firmalo, who is running for the lone congressional seat in the May 13 elections.
The opposition, led by former Gov. Natalio Beltran III, declared that the province needs Firmalo in the House of Representatives to advance the welfare and interests of Romblomanos who have been neglected for the past two decades.
Expressing their support for Firmalo’s bid were Vice Governor Mel Madrid, former Looc Mayor Juliet Fiel, Alcantara Mayor Ramon Galicia, former Provincial Board Member Benjamin Irao Jr., and several reelectionist mayors and councilors in different towns under the Liberal Party.
The provincial genuine opposition also officially endorsed Firmalo’s teammates, former Calatrava Mayor Bong Fabella for governor and incumbent provincial Board Member Dongdong Ylagan for vice governor.
Firmalo, who is on his last term as provincial chief executive, is running against former Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona, who is facing graft charges before the Sandiganbayan for his alleged involvement in the fertilizer scam.
“Romblon’s united opposition is fully supporting the candidacy of Gov. Firmalo for congressman,” said Beltran, son of former Rep. Natalio Beltran Jr.
“We believe that Firmalo will be compassionate voice in Congress for the Romblomanons,” the former governor added.
“The Madronas, they have been in power for the past two decades. They must be junked by the voters this time,” according to Madrid, referring to Eleandro Jesus Madrona, who has been Romblon’s representative for 18 years. His younger brother, Emmanuel, is the incumbent representative.
Fabella filed a massive fraud protest when the younger Madrona defeated the latter by a slim margin in the 2016 congressional race. The younger Madrona will not seek any position this election.
