Negros Occ Gov. Lacson on 2025 rival: ‘Anyone can run’

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – “We cannot choose our opponent.”

This was the reaction of Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson when asked by the media to comment on reports that former Victorias City Mayor Wantan Palanca is “99 percent” certain to run for governor in the 2025 elections.

“Well, that is his call. Anybody can run for any government position, but that should not affect or alter our plans to run for another term, which is allowed by law,” Lacson said.

He added, “We will present what we have accomplished over the past six years, and it will be up to the people to decide.”

Lacson previously announced that he will seek reelection for a third term. He also confirmed that he will file his Certificate of Candidacy on Oct. 3 at 3 p.m., together with his vice gubernatorial candidate, Joeben Alonso.

Lacson mentioned that he has also invited 1st District congressional candidate Jules Ledesma, along with other board member candidates from the Love Negros and United Negros Alliance coalition, to join him.

When asked why voters should choose him, Lacson responded, “I don’t want to explain myself. I want people, as they sit down to shade the candidate’s number, to think about what has happened in Negros Occidental over the past six years, and how the provincial government has been managed.”

He added, “I feel it’s not just about me, but about the entire provincial government, including all the department heads and staff. We will be judged on our performance over the past six years.”

Earlier, Atty. Jayvee Hinlo, PDP-Laban Visayas secretary-general, said Palanca is “99 percent running for governor. The remaining 1 percent will be when he officially 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.