By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Former Bacolod City administrator, Atty. John Orola, has denied plans that he would run against incumbent Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson in the 2022 National Elections.

In a phone interview yesterday morning, Orola said he was surprised that his name would even pop up as one of the possible opponents of Lacson.

At present, Orola said he currently serves as a consultant under the administration of incumbent Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia and he is currently busy with the city’s programs in trade, tourism, and investments.

As a member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Orola is also busy going around Negros Occidental in order to promote employment, trade, and investment opportunities.

“This coming September may China Trade Fair, may ara man Dubai Fair nga gina-invite ang Bacolod,” Orola explained.

When asked if he had transferred his voter’s residency out of Bacolod City, Orola refused to say if the report is true, but he also denied that he was open to running for governor.

With the current political atmosphere in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental, Orola offered his own opinion, stating that whoever is running for 2022 would be a challenge for them.

“With this pandemic there should be something that we have to lead the people, lead the nation, lead the province, lead the city, and there should be unity with the city and the province,” he added.

Lacson had already announced earlier this year that he will be seeking reelection in the 2022 national elections.

A member of Love Negros, Lacson will be running alongside United Negros Alliance vice chairman and ally Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer./DGB, WDJ