LEGAZPI CITY - The reelection bid of incumbent Governor Fernando Gonzalez is facing enormous obstacles in the campaign mileage gained by opponent former Representative Joey Salceda, the Bicol Mail was told early this week.

        About 95 percent of current elective officials in Albay are supporting Salceda, a former student, economic adviser, and chief of staff of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

        “The water from the spring will not run in our faucets without a pipeline from Malacañang, so Joey is our channel from the Palace to fast-track the recovery of Albay from the devastating effects of Typhoons Milenyo and Reming,” Carlos “Papay” Imperial said in the meeting de avance in Daraga town.

        Ironically, Imperial is running for the 2nd congressional district under the Lakas-CMD banner, also the party of Gonzalez.

        Tabaco mayoral candidate Cielo Krisel Lagman-Luistro, daughter of Representative Edcel Lagman (Lakas-CMD) had openly supported Salceda.

        Salceda’s candidacy as an independent triggered the declaration by the administration party of the province as a free zone for both Salceda and Gonzalez belong to the majority party.