Bacolod congressman hints at 2025 mayoral bid

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Is Bacolod City Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya gearing up for a mayoral run in the 2025 elections?

“Continue to watch me work,” Gasataya stated Sunday evening during his “Serbisyo May Puso, Report of Congressman Greg Gasataya” held at the USLS coliseum.

The phrase sparked speculation that Gasataya, who is on his third and final term as a lawmaker, might run for mayor in 2025 to continue serving Bacolod.

“Padayon ako nga maga serbisyo sa Bacolodnon,” Gasataya told the packed coliseum crowd, who illuminated the venue with their cellphone flashlights as a show of support.

He also apologized to those unable to enter the coliseum due to the venue’s capacity limits.

When reporters asked about his 2025 plans, Gasataya refrained from giving a direct answer.

“I have four options in 2025,” Gasataya said, “to run for councilor, for vice mayor, for mayor, or for senator.”

He added that nothing is final and discussions are ongoing within Team Asenso, his political group with Mayor Albee Benitez.

When asked if he and Mayor Benitez would switch positions, Gasataya replied, “I will decide in due time.”

Since taking office in 2016, Gasataya reported that his office assisted 22,711 beneficiaries through his Medical Assistance Program, provided burial assistance to 6,731 individuals, and extended financial assistance to 40,263 people.

Additionally, 18,087 beneficiaries received help at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, 20,990 benefited from DOLE-TUPAD, and 10,244 scholars received support.

During his term, Gasataya initiated the construction of 14 health centers, 338 multi-purpose buildings, 21 barangay halls, 8 markets, 767 classrooms in 33 schools, 125 flood control and drainage projects spanning 73,084.77 linear meters, 36 bridges covering 2,579.61 square meters, 221 road projects, and 28 farm-to-market roads.

He also facilitated the provision of 24 vehicles for 24 barangays.

His congressional office covered medical bills for 279 patients outside of Bacolod, amounting to PHP 50,989,000.

Gasataya emphasized that these projects and financial assistance were funded by the national government through his office.