NEWSFLASH

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RIO DIAZ-COJUANGCO WANTS TO BE NEGROS VICE GOVERNOR

Bacolod City, Nov. 7, 1997 - The Philippine Star's Cebu-based columnist Rolly Espina reports that former actress and TV host Rio Diaz is causing a political earthquake in Negros, specially among the Lakas-NUCD camp.

Rio is now married to Pontevedra Mayor Charlie Cojuangco, which makes her the daughter-in-law of power broker and kingmaker Danding Cojuangco.

Espina revealed that what could shape up in Negros is a "torrid battle for the second highest provincial position by two female bets -- Rio and Provincial Board Member Edith Villanueva, chairman of the HOPE Foundation and a string of social outreach programs. A low- profile leader, Edith also has the cadre of Women of Negros to support her. A formidable bunch of indefatigable campaigns."

Espina was enthralled to discover Rio's obsession to help out orphaned and abandoned children, needy families, and how Rio found fulfilment in the various social outreach projects of her husband Charlie.

"Charlie has provided me with the opportunity to realize in more emphatic terms my dream of helping more through day-care centers and by asking friends to take care of orphaned and abandoned children," Rio told Espina.

Rio holds a bachelor's degree in psychology. She grew up in a family of 12 children, and is a sister of former Miss Universe Gloria Diaz, herself an actress and former wife of Makati City Councilor Bong Daza.

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