Post suggesting Benitez announced a gubernatorial run debunked

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

After claims were made on social media suggesting Negros Occidental third district Rep. Alfredo Benitez would be running for governor in the upcoming 2019 midterm elections, Negros Occidental Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday urged the public to wait for an official announcement regarding 2019.

The post, which is no longer available, depicted Benitez with his arms raised and a caption that read “Benitez declared he will run for governor.”

“I do not follow posts on [social media],” Lacson said. “Let us wait until Congressman Benitez officially announces his plans.”

When reached for comment, Benitez denied making such a declaration.

“It is not true,” he said via text message.

Earlier, the mayors of the Negros Occidental third congressional district unanimously endorsed Benitez for governor.

Last April, Silay City Mayor Mark Golez reiterated his endorsement, saying, he believes the legislator should seek the governorship first and that he is “really needed” in the position./DGB, WDJ