Umalis vs Josons showdown ilooms in 2010 N Ecija polls

By Liam Anacleto

CABANATUAN CITY– An Umali-Umali tandem against a Joson-Joson team-up is looming in the 2010 local elections in Nueva Ecija as incumbent Gov. Aurelio Umali is reportedly eyeing to tap his younger brother as his running mate against comebacking former three-term congresswoman Josie Manuel-Joson and Vice Gov. Edward Thomas Joson.

Reliable sources said Umali is considering his brother Anthony as his vice gubernatorial running mate under the Lakas-Kampi-CMD banner to wrest control of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in 2010.

Streamers of the younger Umali are seen prominently displayed in many towns and cities of the province. Anthony has also reportedly sought the endorsement and support of various groups for his candidacy.

Earlier, the Bagong Lakas ng Nueva Ecija of the Josons, announced the fielding of Josie Manuel-Joson, wife of former vice governor Mariano Cristino Joson, as its standard-bearer for governor in 2010 with Edward Thomas as his running mate. Manuel-Joson is a former colleague of Umali in the House of Representatives.