Ex-Victorias City mayor Palanca to challenge Gov. Lacson in 2025

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – A key member of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) confirmed that former Victorias City mayor Wantan Palanca is 99 percent certain to run for Negros Occidental governor in the 2025 midterm elections.

Atty. Jayvee Hinlo, PDP-Laban Visayas secretary-general, told Daily Guardian on Wednesday, “The remaining 1% will be when he announces it.”

Hinlo added that Palanca is expected to announce his decision this week, including whether he will have a running mate. “That’s for him to announce,” Hinlo said.

Palanca is set to challenge incumbent Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who has declared his intention to seek re-election for a third term.

Meanwhile, Hinlo confirmed he has been nominated for inclusion in the PDP-Laban senatorial slate for the 2025 elections during the party’s national assembly, which was headed by party chairman, former President Rodrigo Duterte, in Davao City on Sept. 20.

“Waiting for approval. If approved, I will go for it,” Hinlo said, noting that PDP-Laban Negros Occidental has long advocated for a senator from Negros.

Hinlo also shared that the party’s leadership is currently considering his nomination. So far, the three confirmed senatorial candidates for PDP-Laban are Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, and actor Philip Salvador.