BACOLOD CITY – Re-electionist Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson now faces two challengers for the gubernatorial post in the 2025 midterm elections.
Architect JPaul Octaviano of Victorias City, Negros Occidental, filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for governor on Friday afternoon. Octaviano told reporters he believes he has a strong chance of winning against Lacson.
“Many are clamoring for change. They have been in power for decades, but what have they done?” Octaviano asked. He also pledged to push for zero corruption in government if elected.
Meanwhile, Lacson, along with his vice gubernatorial candidate, Board Member Jose Benito Alonso, filed their respective COCs at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City on Wednesday. They were accompanied by returning First District Representative Julio Ledesma IV.
Lacson, seeking re-election for a third term, said, “No local government unit will be left behind in the implementation of projects, regardless of political party affiliation, should I be given another mandate to lead the province.”
The governor emphasized that the presence of many incumbent and former officials of Negros Occidental during his COC filing reinforces his belief that they are satisfied with the way he and Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer have been managing the provincial government.
“If you review the projects implemented by the province, you will see that we have spread them well. No LGU has been left behind,” Lacson stressed.
If re-elected, Lacson said he intends to complete several ongoing projects, including the PHP1.2 billion Capitol bulk water project, whose bidding was postponed to November.
He also plans to continue accepting renewable energy project proposals and oversee the construction of numerous farm-to-market roads and bridges.
He added that he would ensure all projects are completed before he steps down in 2028.
Additionally, Lacson intends to use only 50 percent of the 2028 budget, allowing the next administration flexibility in implementing its own projects.
Several notable figures were present during the COC filing, including San Carlos City Mayor Renato Gustilo, Toboso Mayor Madonna Jaojoco and her husband and predecessor, Richard, as well as Board Members Rommel Debulgado, Sixto Pal Guanzon, Samson Mirhan, Andrew Montelibano, Jeffrey Tubola, Anthony Dennis Occeno, and former Silay City Mayor Mark Golez, among others.
Earlier, Ferdenand Diego, a 50-year-old farmer from Candoni who claims to be a former police officer, also filed his COC for governor.
Meanwhile, Victorias City Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca is expected to file his COC for the gubernatorial position on Monday, October 7.
As of this writing, Provincial Comelec Supervisor Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria confirmed that Alonso remains the lone vice gubernatorial candidate.
