Outgoing Tubigon, Bohol Mayor William Jao has endorsed Vice Mayor Rene Villaber to succeed him in next year’s election, pairing him with Maridel Lasco.
Jao made the announcement in an interview with Newsmakers ug Uban Pa host Ardy Araneta-Batoy, saying Villaber and Lasco have been accepted as members of the ruling Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP).
The move comes as Jao, a member of the National Unity Party (NUP), has aligned with the PFP, which is part of the administration bloc. The NUP is led in Bohol by 1st District Rep. Edgar Chatto, who also heads the local coalition Padayon Bol-anon.
Jao said he and other NUP members joined the PFP to gain more projects for their constituents, but emphasized that they remain part of the Padayon coalition. "We are still with Padayon, and we will continue to work with Congressman Chatto," he said.
Jao, who has served three terms as mayor, expressed gratitude to Chatto for his support and lamented that the provincial government has neglected Tubigon, citing the delay in releasing prizes for a basketball tournament sponsored by the provincial government.
The outgoing mayor also criticized politicians who switch parties, saying he has stuck with the same group that helped him win three terms. "I frown upon turncoats, especially in politics," he said.
Villaber and Lasco’s membership in the PFP is seen as a boost to their candidacy, as the party is part of the administration bloc that includes Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, Nationalista Party, and the Nationalist People’s Coalition, among others.