‘Battle royale’ for Bacolod mayoralty race if Benitez runs

By Dolly Yasa

 

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said Thursday he expects the mayoralty race in Bacolod City in May 2022 to become a “super battle royal” should former congressman-turned-provincial consultant Alfredo Benitez decides to challenge incumbent Mayor Evelio Leonardia.

Lacson likened the scenario to the contest between the late Mayor Romeo Guanzon and Mayor Alfredo Montelibano Jr.

“That’s how close it’s gonna be,” he added.

Benitez filed his transfer of voter’s records from Victorias City to Bacolod City on Thursday.

When asked if he will run for mayor of Bacolod City, Benitez said that he would like to keep his options open.

“Keeping my option open is transferring my registration,” Benitez said, as he already ruled out for running as governor of Negros Occidental and congressman of the 3rd district of the province.

But he said he has not shelved his desire to run for senator.

Leonardia earlier said that he is not yet ready to entertain politics, stressing that his top priority is the health and safety of Bacoleños amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lacson said that they will respect and support Benitez’s decision, either if he runs for mayor of Bacolod City or senator.

“Either way, we will be very happy to support him,” he added.

Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, who was with several mayors and board members of Negros Occidental accompanied Benitez to the Bacolod City Comelec office, said that United Negros Alliance and Love Negros will also support Benitez.

Ferrer said all mayors of Negros Occidental will have a meeting on April 23 to discuss the recent developments.

Lacson said that he and the other mayors will only explain why they will be supporting Benitez.

On the other hand, Benitez said he is wondering why there are so many tarpaulins being displayed in key areas of Bacolod City urging him to run.

Stressing also the clamor should be ignored, Benitez said “Let’s wait for the succeeding steps to happen,” after filing the transfer of his voter’s registration.

Negros Occidental Board Member Andrew Montelibano yesterday said that he is calling for the revival of local Paglaum Party, which was started by his uncle, to support Benitez should he decide to run for mayor of Bacolod City.

Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr, who is the UNegA secretary general, said that any position Benitez will pursue is useful to Negros Occidental, including its capital city of Bacolod.

But Escalante admitted that Benitez will be wasting his resources if he will run for senator.

He will be needed in Negros Occidental, Escalante added.

As to the possible running mate of Benitez should he decide to run for mayor of Bacolod City, Escalante said he is not inclined to believe that Vice Gov. Ferrer will go for it, despite the call of some individuals.

But Ferrer said he has two weeks to decide yet if he will also transfer his voter’s registration from La Carlota City to Bacolod City.