Cabredo backs Rosal for Albay governor

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

Albay 3rd District Rep. Fernando Cabredo endorsed the candidacy of gubernatorial candidate of Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal against re-electionist Governor Al Francis Bichara on Tuesday, May 3, six days before the synchronized presidential and national elections in the country.

Rosal, dubbed as the Jesse Robredo of Albay, gained ground against Bichara following the unprecedented endorsement of Cabredo.

Cabredo’s endorsement of Rosal bolstered his candidacy against last termer Governor Al Francis Bichara, the longest serving governor of Albay.

“After considering all the factors, I believe Mayor Noel Rosal will be the better choice for Albay governor. Mabuhay ka, Mayor Noel Rosal!” Cabredo said on his social media post.

When asked what prompted him to support Rosal’s candidacy over Bichara, Cabredo said that Rosal is serving the people thoroughly, specifically in the grassroots.

“He worked with the people specifically in the grassroots. I admire Mayor Noel Rosal who made remarkable developments in Legazpi City, specifically the Legazpi City Hospital with enough medicines and notable physicians catering free medical services to the people,” he said.

“Rosal programs benefited the public religiously. His platform of government corresponds with my programs. The public is clamoring for a leader who worked with the people like Vice President Leni Robredo. Like VP Robredo, Rosal is supported by the people,” Cabredo said.

The lawmaker’s full support to Rosal candidacy is based on his personal decision. Cabredo before joining politics served as head of the barangay affairs of former governor and congressman Fernando Gonzalez.

“This is my own personal political decision. I see him (Rosal) that he will be my good partner in the development of Albay. I’m impressed by the way he worked and served with the people of Legazpi. Many of my friends across the province were happy about my endorsement of Mayor Rosal as they’re given hope,” he said.

The third district of Albay has the biggest number of voters among the three districts of the province. Based on the Commission on Elections data, Albay has a total of 890,148 registered voters with 1,494 clustered precincts.

Following Cabredo’s endorsement, Albayanos are also awaiting who will Rep. Joey Salceda and Ligao City mayoral candidate Fernando Gonzales support between Rosal and Bichara.

The gubernatorial battle in Albay between outgoing Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal and re-electionist Governor Al Francis Bichara is considered a David and Goliath fight.

Bichara, the Goliath, and Rosal, the David, are former formidable friends and political allies before they parted ways last year due to quarry issues and political differences. (Rhaydz B. Barcia)