By Nanette Guadalquiver/PNA
BACOLOD CITY — Grupo Progreso (GP), the political party of Mayor Evelio Leonardia, will form an alliance with the Davao-based regional party, Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP).
Leonardia announced this Tuesday night after his re-election bid was endorsed by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, chairperson of HNP, during their meeting at the Davao City Hall on Sunday.
It’s a “big-time endorsement”, a GP statement said.
Duterte-Carpio raised Leonardia’s hand during his courtesy call and was witnessed by National Youth Commission chairman Ronald Cardema, as well as Sangguniang Kabataan officials from Cainta, Taytay, and Butuan and other guests.
Leonardia flew to Davao City to attend the two-day “Rehabinasyon: The 1st National Anti-Drugs Summit” organized by the Inter-Agency Committee Against Illegal Drugs (ICAD) on February 3 and 4.
He said the coalition between the Grupo Progreso and the HNP will be formalized in another meeting in Bacolod during the campaign period for the May 13 elections.
Leonardia added that he assured the Davao City mayor of the full support of Grupo Progreso for the senatorial candidates endorsed by HNP.
The HNP is also expected to support the reelection bids of Leonardia’s partymates Congressman Greg Gasataya and Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, and the Grupo Progreso’s 12 candidates for councilor.
Last October, Mayor Sara visited Bacolod during the highlights of the MassKara Festival and witnessed the schools’ street dance competition at the Bacolod Plaza.
She also took the opportunity to thank the people of Bacolod for supporting the administration of her father, President Rodrigo Duterte.
