Bacolod mayor evades questions on re-election bid

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez of Bacolod City continues to dodge questions about his possible re-election, despite a recent declaration by an ally that he would pursue a second term in the 2025 midterm elections.

“It will be a collective decision,” Benitez told reporters on Friday.

The mayor was responding to inquiries about his re-election campaign following a statement by Abang Lingkod partylist Rep. Stephen Paduano, who recently said he would support only Benitez for mayor in the next election, not any running mate.

“I believe ever since, our cooperation was more on a local party basis, so whenever we make a decision on whom we will support, as far as the whole group is concerned, everyone follows,” Benitez said.

The mayor emphasized that the decision-making process involves the whole party.

“It’s not just about me or the other candidates; it’s about the group, the party moving forward. It has to be a collective decision because this is not just about one position; there are several positions that are intertwined in ensuring proper governance.”

“If we don’t agree and unite behind our candidates, how do we expect the people to follow us? Ever since, our stance has not been about individuals or personalities; it’s always about what kind of governance we are bringing to the people,” Benitez stressed.

When asked if this includes Bacolod Representative Greg Gasataya, Benitez confirmed, “It includes everybody who is with us.”

Gasataya and Benitez teamed up in the 2022 elections, but while Gasataya is now in his third and final term, Benitez is in his first term as mayor.

Benitez reiterated that he has five options for the 2025 elections: seek re-election, switch positions with Gasataya, run for a national position, get appointed to a national office, or take a break from politics.

When pressed further about running for re-election, Benitez joked, “I am running one kilometer a day.”

He noted that with the candidacy filing deadline in October, “we will see.”

Benitez appeared hesitant earlier when asked about seeking re-election, expressing frustration over the government bureaucracy that seemed to slow down the realization of his vision for Bacolod City.