By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – With the filing of the Certificate of Candidacy for the 2025 midterm elections just a month away, Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez remains undecided about his political plans as he weighs five possible options.
During a press conference on Monday, Benitez continued to sidestep questions from the media about his decision regarding next year’s elections.
“As I’ve said, I have five options,” he emphasized.
His five options include seeking re-election, switching places with Bacolod Representative Greg Gasataya, who is on his last term, running for a higher office (Senate), accepting a Cabinet position, or stepping back from politics for a time.
Regarding the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) portfolio, Benitez clarified that there has been no direct offer. He shared that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. asked about his future plans, but no formal proposal was made.
“There was no formal offer. The President just asked about my plans, and I’ll leave it at that,” he said, declining to elaborate further when asked about a possible switch with Gasataya.
“That’s one of my five options,” he reiterated.
Benitez stated that his final decision, along with the slate of his Asenso Bacolod group, will be revealed in due time.
He also announced that he will take his oath with the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas in Manila on September 12, alongside some Bacolod City councilors.
Earlier, Benitez confirmed that incumbent councilors are assured of a spot in his lineup for the upcoming elections. Two positions remain open as two current councilors are serving their last terms.
These vacant slots will be filled through a convention involving family leaders from Bacolod’s 61 barangays.
Candidates interested in joining the councilor lineup had until Monday, September 9, 2024, to file their candidacy.
According to Benitez, four barangay captains will join the convention scheduled for September 15, 2024.
“This is the first time we’re holding a convention to select candidates for the councilor slots rather than just picking them. I want to give our leaders a chance to be part of the group and recognize their contributions. This process will allow them to feel valued,” Benitez said.
