By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

After months of silence as to who he would be supporting for the upcoming national and local elections in May, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson formally announced on Monday, February 28, 2022, that he would be supporting the candidacy of incumbent Vice President Leni Robredo.

“When we face our ballots on May 9, there’s only one question you ask yourself, it’s who do you trust,” Lacson said.

The governor’s declaration was also made just days after 28 of the 31 mayors in the province announced that they are supporting Robredo’s rival for presidency, former senator Ferdinand “Bong-bong” Marcos, Jr.

Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer has earlier declared support for Marcos because of the close family ties of the Marcoses and the Benedictos.

Lacson revealed that he has yet to talk to the three other mayors who were absent during the meeting led by Marcos last week at the Stonehill Suites, namely Sagay City Mayor Alfredo Marañon III, Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. and Sipalay City Mayor Gina Montilla-Lizares.

With regards to the mayors who have committed to Marcos’ candidacy, Lacson said he respects their decision and he will no longer exert any effort in trying to convince them to change their minds.

“Right now, I will confirm that I am for Robredo,” he said.

Robredo is reported to hold her grand rally in Negros Occidental tentatively scheduled on the second week of March, and Lacson said he will attend the rally if invited./DGB, WDJ