Paduano not RPA-ABB chief anymore, now in partylist push

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jan 28): Paduano not RPA-ABB chief anymore, now in partylist push

Stephen Paduano is no longer national commander of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade, he is now concentrating on the campaign of the Abang Lingkod Partylist group.

Paduano, who was known as Carapali Lualhati when he was national commander of the RPA-ABB, said Friday he gave up the post during their national congress in June to concentrate on mainstream politics in the light of their peace agreement with the government.

On Friday, Paduano celebrated his 48th birthday at the Benjamin Hall in Bacolod City that was attended by Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) and Jeffrey Ferrer (Neg. Occ., 4th District), and numerous mayors, barangay captains, comrades and relatives.

He said the final draft of the RPA-ABB peace agreement with the government is already on the desk of President Benigno Aquino III for approval.

Meanwhile, their forces are now concentrated on mainstream socio economic politics, he said.

He said Abang Lingkod is a partylist group that will fight for the interest of farm workers, the urban poor and Negrenses.

Paduano also stressed the need for support services for agrarian reform beneficiaries.

According to records, Paduano is the number one nominee of Abang Lingkod. Negros Occidental Board Member Patrick Lacson, who was second nominee, has withdrawn; former Association of Barangay Captains president Willie Satatobias is third nominee, and the fourth is from Tarlac.

Paduano said it is immaterial who the nominees are as long as they are from Negros so they can represent the concerns of the farm workers and Negrenses.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/January/28/topstory6.htm