By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez announced on Monday that he and Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson will hold meetings next month to finalize their lineups for the 2025 midterm elections.
“We will be calling for respective groups to meet sometime in August to discuss political candidates and alignment,” Benitez said based on his discussion with Lacson.
Benitez mentioned that the meetings will involve Love Negros and other political groups in the province, but he is unsure if this has been communicated with other groups.
He added that Asenso Bacolod will also meet next month.
Benitez did not directly answer whether he is running again for a second term as mayor.
“We will start with a caucus and get together. We should be able to make the proper announcement of the lineups after the meetings,” Benitez said.
When asked about his consideration for Bacolod’s councilor candidates, Benitez said he stands by the equity of the incumbent.
“Rest assured those who are incumbent have slots if they want them,” he added.
The filing of the Certificate of Candidacy (COC) is set for October 2024.
