By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez announced Wednesday that the Bacolod Asenso Team will hold a convention on Sept. 15 to select two candidates who will complete their slate for the 2025 midterm elections.
Benitez said these two candidates will fill the remaining slots for councilors, as the 10 incumbents are automatically included in the slate. He did not provide further details.
Barangay Singcang-Airport Captain Caesar Distrito, who serves as Benitez’s spokesperson, said the convention will be held simultaneously in all 61 barangays.
Distrito explained that the selection process will be conducted through secret balloting. “There is a system. Only family leaders can vote simultaneously in all villages,” he added.
He also mentioned that interested candidates have until Sept. 9 to submit their candidacy to the nomination committee. The final list of candidates will be announced after the Sept. 9 deadline.
Meanwhile, Benitez previously announced his intention to join the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), the political party of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“As of now, we have not made a final decision, but most likely it will be PFP,” Benitez said.
He added that the entire Bacolod City slate, for those who have not joined other parties and have not signed an agreement with PFP, will also join him as members of the President’s political party.