BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines – Nobody asked Councilor Al Victor Espino to leave Grupo Progreso, and neither was there an effort to ease him out.
This was the clarification given by Bacolod Mayor Evelio over a news item quoting the councilor that he was “heartbroken” by the mayor’s decision to him out of GP.
Instead, the mayor said Espino voluntarily left the party after a “disagreement over sensitive matters”, thus the GP was surprised by the article. (READ also: Partyless Espino says he is “heartbroken” by Bing decision easing him out of ruling Grupo Progreso)
“To set the record straight, no one in the GP moved to ease him out as it is claimed in the same interview,” he said.
The mayor added that in a party meeting he and Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran along with other party members attended, GP talked about the “finalization of the party slate and the filing of the COCs in October which is fast approaching”.
“Everyone was asked to speak. Those present reaffirmed their decision and commitment to run under the banner of the GP. They also reiterated their continued support to the party platform, policies and programs,” the mayor said.
Espino was also present, and the discussions “were open and the atmosphere was cordial”.
“Councilor Espino happened to be the last one to speak. After he had given his piece, yours truly responded which started a long exchange of views and opinions,” he said.
Espino voluntarily left while the meeting was ongoing after “an apparent disagreement on certain sensitive matters”.
The manner of his physical exit, in fact, was also cordial.
The mayor also thanked Espino for the latter’s involvement to Grupo Progreso.
