By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has likened the upcoming 2022 elections in Bacolod City into a “battle royale” after his Love Negros party-mate former 3rd district congressman Alfredo “Albee” Benitez transferred his voter’s registration to Bacolod City yesterday afternoon.
According to Lacson, he will fully support whatever decision Benitez makes for the upcoming polls, whether he runs for mayor of the city or senator of the country.
When asked for reaction on the move of Benitez that his options to run for any provincial position is now over and dousing the speculations that he may run against him in the coming elections, Lacson clarified that it really did not come to the point that Benitez seriously considered it.
“I do not see any threat that a challenger will come from our party,” Lacson said.
The governor joined the gathering held at the provincial capitol yesterday morning prior to heading to the San Sebastian Cathedral to attend the noontime mass, and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Bacolod City where Benitez changed his voter’s address.
Among those who attended the gathering at the provincial capitol were Benitez’ close allies such as Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer and Abang Lingkod party-list Congressman and House Minority Leader Stephen Paduano.
Benitez’s supporters also gathered at the Bacolod City Public Plaza following the mass at the San Sebastian Cathedral.
Although Benitez has yet to announce his political intentions, reports are strong that he might go against incumbent Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia in 2022./DGB, WDJ