By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD City – 28 Negros Occidental mayors on Friday signed a manifesto of support for former congressman Alfredo Benitez, urging him to run for mayor of Bacolod City in the 2022 polls.
Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr, who is the United Negros Alliance secretary general, however, said that Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson requested not to fully disclose the manifesto of support to the public, until such time that Benitez makes a decision.
Escalante said the manifesto was signed by 28 component city and municipal mayors of Negros Occidental, who attended the Love Negros and UNegA general assembly in Talisay City.
Mayor Gerry Rojas, sent his representative while Mayors Ernesto Estrao of Hinobaan and Gina Montilla-Lizares of Sipalay City (who was tested positive for COVID-19), failed to attend.
Escalante said there is a need for Negros Occidental and Bacolod City to be “in sync” with each other, citing the fight against COVID -19 and one economic recovery plan, among others.
Benitez filed his transfer of voter’s records April 22 from Victorias City to Bacolod City, at the City Commission on Elections Comelec office.
Also present in the gathering were Governor Lacson, Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer, other provincial officials and Abang Lingkod party-list Rep. Stephen Paduano.
Former Rep. Mercedes Alvarez also joined the general assembly of Negros Occidental mayors, who are members of local political groups UNegA and Love Negros.
Escalante said that the economy of Negros Occidental is not doing good, with a negative growth rate because of the pandemic.
“Once we vaccinate and there will be herd immunity in the next several years, what’s next?” he asked.
Lacson earlier said he expects that the mayoral race in Bacolod City will be a “super battle royale” if Benitez decides to run.
In response to the call of Negros Occidental for him to run as Bacolod City mayor, Benitez said “I will still have to keep my option open”.
“I will still have to keep my options open. There are certain things that I would like to clarify and my curiosity about running in Bacolod City,” he said.
When asked on chances of running for mayor with the support of Negros Occidental mayors, Benitez answered “Any public servant cannot ignore the clamor and call of the people”.
Benitez, currently a consultant of the provincial government, said that he will go around in Bacolod City to get the pulse of residents in the coming months.
The filing of the certificate of candidacy is in October 2020.
Benitez admitted that the overwhelming support he got is giving him sleepless nights.
“It’s not a simple decision. It’s no joke,” Benitez said, stressing also that he has to consider a lot of factors.
Asked if he can beat the present administration that has a strong organization for decades in Bacolod City, Benitez said that they are considering everything.
“Everywhere you go, if majority of the people wants change, and if you give the change they hope you can deliver, then that what’s make a winning candidate,” he said.
Paduano committed to support whatever decision Benitez makes.
Asked about the impact of the support of the mayors in Negros, Paduano said, “why are they openly endorsing the former congressman as mayor of Bacolod instead of the incumbent mayor who is the president of the League of Cities.”
“The question is why,” he added.
