By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Bacolod City is expecting a new mayor to seat in the government center as Alfredo “Albee” Benitez takes a giant lead against incumbent Mayor Evelio Leonardia in the 2022 national and local elections.

As of 12:00 a.m. Tuesday, Benitez is taking the lead with 153,405 votes against Leonardia’s 95,529.

For the vice mayoralty race, Leonardia’s running mate incumbent Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran is leading against Atty. Caesar Distrito 114,717 to 91,950.

For congressman of the city’s lone district, Greg Gasataya is expected to retain his post after garnering 155,497 votes as of 11:00 p.m. on Monday against Dan Atayde’s 67,891 votes.

For city council, Thaddy Sayson is at the number one spot with 113,269 votes followed by Israel Salanga with 103,508 votes, and Cindy Rojas placing third at 102,807.

Also included in the top 12 are Em Ang (98,131 votes), Al Espino (96,757), Vladi Gonzalez (94,967), Renecito Novero (94,927), Jason Villarosa (93,730), Kalaw Puentevella (91,387), Simple Distrito (89,800), Celia Flor (86,965), and Pao Sy (83,189).

As of press time, the counting of votes is still ongoing, although sources told Watchmen Daily Journal that the declaration of the winners would have already taken place this morning, May 10./DGB, WDJ