Bacolod mayor undecided on 2025 election plans

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY—Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez said he has not yet made a decision regarding the 2025 midterm elections.

“The decision will come,” Benitez told reporters during a press conference on Tuesday when asked if he had chosen among the five options he previously mentioned.

Benitez earlier outlined his options for 2025, which include seeking re-election, switching with Bacolod Representative Greg Gasataya and running for Congress, running for senator, accepting a cabinet position, or stepping away from politics.

He lamented that “the problem in politics is sometimes you have to choose between friends, and unfortunately, that is the ugly part of being a politician because you have friends fighting each other, and that’s the hardest part, something I don’t like.”

He stressed that “the decision will come, and we will make the official announcement once we finalize the lineup.”

Benitez also pointed out that “all conflicts, all rifts should be resolved within the party. If they cannot align with the party, then they are outside.”

He added, “What I have been saying so far here in the city, the ruling group or party is the one to reckon with.”

Benitez also foresees a peaceful 2025 election, saying it will be “smooth sailing for the administration ticket.”

He hinted that his Asenso Team will soon be joining the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas.