Kabankalan Mayor Urges Rivals to “Fight Clean”

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Benjie Miranda of Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, urged his opponents in the upcoming midterm election in May to avoid mudslinging.

“Let us fight clean,” said Miranda, who is seeking re-election for a second term, during an interview with reporters on Monday.

Miranda attended the Barangay Assembly in Barangay Tampalon, an upland area of the city, where hundreds of residents gathered.

He entertained the crowd with a song and dance performance, which drew enthusiastic applause.

“This is one advantage I have over my opponents; I am still young and able,” Miranda said.

Miranda faces six challengers, including former Kabankalan City Mayor Isidro Zayco and former 6th District Representative Genaro “Lim-ao” Alvarez.

“My two opponents are very strong politicians, both undefeated,” he said, referring to Alvarez and Zayco.

Both Alvarez and Zayco are in their 80s.

Miranda noted that he had received accusations of corruption and other issues but argued that candidates should focus on their platforms.

“Why don’t we just let the people know what we have to offer them and let them decide?” he said.

He also defended his decision to select his wife, a public school teacher, as his vice mayoral running mate.

“It’s still up to the people,” he said, adding, “I want someone I can trust.”

Miranda highlighted Kabankalan City’s achievements under his leadership, noting it was ranked among the Top 10 Most Improved Component Cities nationwide, Top 8 in the Visayas for competitiveness, and Top 3 in Western Visayas.