By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental third district Rep. Alfredo Benitez is reportedly no longer interested in running for Senate in 2019 and Love Negros allies have come out in support of the congressman’s decision.

Negros Occidental Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said, despite being sad over the decision, he supports Benitez and would endorse him if he were to make a senatorial run in 2022. Lacson noted, he is still waiting for a final decision on next year’s election and has yet to meet with the congressman.

Former Negros Occidental provincial board member Patrick Lacson, who earlier started a signature campaign urging Benitez to run for governor, reiterated hopes the legislator chooses to seek the governorship; meanwhile EB Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon said he and his town will always support him.

Negros Occidental Provincial Board Member Salvador Escalante, Jr., who serves as secretary-general for the United Negros Alliance (UNegA), said, while Negros “lost a senator,” Benitez could potentially be a good governor.

Love Negros and UNegA are still negotiating a possible united slate in the midterm polls.

Last month, Abang Lingkod partylist Rep. Stephen Paduano claimed Benitez would not run on a unity ticket.

He also revealed, if the talks should fail, Benitez would run for governor with Lacson seeking a final term as vice governor. Although, he also suggested the possibility of Lacson running for governor and Love Negros fielding a new candidate for vice governor.

However, if negotiations succeed, Paduano said the official position of Love Negros indicates Lacson would run for governor and UNegA would run a candidate for vice governor./DGB, WDJ