Benitez to retire from politics

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Incumbent Negros Occidental Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson officially declared his candidacy for governor in the upcoming 2019 midterm elections.

During a press conference yesterday afternoon, Lacson said his local political coalition, Love Negros, formally agreed to his nomination following meetings last week.

Meanwhile, a figure previously mentioned as a possible candidate for governor and senator, Negros Occidental third district Rep. Alfredo Benitez, announced his retirement from politics, saying, he plans to serve as Lacson’s “sidekick.”

He also confirmed the merger between their group and rival coalition, the United Negros Alliance (UNegA), saying their unity ticket was nicknamed “Love Negros First.”

The congressman added, UNegA, who will be fielding a candidate for vice governor, will be delivering their own formal announcement in the coming days. Earlier reports suggest they will be nominating 2016 vice gubernatorial candidate and former Negros Occidental fifth district Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer.

Despite the two coalitions merging on the gubernatorial level, Lacson noted, the only unified team among local posts is in Hinigaran, where incumbent Mayor Jose Nadie Arceo is seeking reelection.

Also present at the event were EB Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon, Silay City Mayor Mark Golez, Victorias City Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca, Murcia Mayor Andrew Montelibano, and Talisay City Mayor Neil Lizares III./DGB, WDJ