About 300 local government officials in Negros Island Region (NIR) became members of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), the political party of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., during a mass oath-taking ceremony held at the L’ Fisher Hotel here Monday.
South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., president of PFP, administered the oath in the presence of Fifth District Board Member Anthony Dennis Occeño, provincial chairman of PFP in Negros Occidental, and other top officials of the province.
“The result of the oath-taking was fruitful, it showed the support of the local officials here. It is true that right now, the super majority of the local officials in Negros Island Region has joined the PFP,” Tamayo said in a press conference after the ceremony.
Among those who took their oath were Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, who is the president of Negros Association of Chief Executives, as well as at least 10 other incumbent and former city and municipal mayors of Negros Occidental.
Tamayo said they do not intend to make the mass oath-taking a “show of force”, rather they prefer to have leaders that believe in the ruling party’s principles.
“We are not out to increase our numbers, but we welcome those who are able to take to heart and mind, and carry out the principles of the PFP,” he added.
Tamayo said the party’s regional structure for the NIR will be included in the discussions during the party’s general assembly on Sept. 1.
“As of now, the NIR is still under Region 6 (Western Visayas), although it is about time to have a new set of (party) officers in your region. An additional structure would speed up the dissemination of our principles and expand what we have now,” he added.
Benitez confirmed that more local officials in Negros Occidental have also expressed their intention to join the administration party, but were not able to make it to the oath-taking rites.
“It is with deep pride and honor that I join the PFP. This party is more than just a political organization; it is a movement dedicated to progress, empowerment and transformation of our nation,” the mayor said.
He said PFP has the highest number of governors in its roster, which is a testament to its collective commitment to empowering local governance.
In the NIR, Negros Oriental Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria and Jake Vincent Villa are members of the PFP, while Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is a member of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, which signed an alliance with the PFP in May this year.
“It is my honor to express my support for the party guided by the vision and leadership of our President. Our collective support for the PFP is also a commitment to Bagong Pilipinas, the President’s vision of inclusive governance and leadership,” Lacson said.
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director-General Jose Francisco Benitez, also a PFP member, pushed for the creation of the party’s regional structure in the NIR.
“We have pledged our oath to join you in the movement for the objectives and principles of PFP, which truly is better governance, better development,” he added. (PNA)