By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said he does not believe that former president and now Pampanga 2nd district Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will run against him in the 2025 midterm elections.

Rumors are circulating that Arroyo will seek the gubernatorial seat in Negros Occidental.

However, there is no confirmation yet if the former president will actually run in 2025.

Lacson announced last week that he will seek a final term in the coming polls.

He said that the political rumor about Arroyo running for governor was spread by the same individual in the past.

Lacson did not mention the individual in question.

The governor met with Arroyo and her husband, Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo, a native of Negros Occidental, for dinner last week.

Lacson is also related to Mike, whose father was Ignacio Lacson Arroyo.

He said no politics was discussed during the dinner.

The former president’s name has also been floated in past elections in the province.

Arroyo has also regularly visited Negros Occidental to check on the projects during her presidency.

Meanwhile, Lacson has not encountered any serious opponents during previous elections.

Vice gubernatorial bets 

The United Negros Alliance (UNegA) will announce next month who they will formally field for vice governor in Negros Occidental for the 2025 midterm elections.

Cadiz City Mayor and UNegA secretary-general Salvador Escalante, Jr. said they are currently looking at three possible candidates.

However, Escalante refused to name the candidates.

He added that the coalition between UNegA and Love Negros remains strong.

Earlier, Negros Occidental Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer said he would no longer seek a final term in the midterm polls.

Ferrer is currently looking to run as congressman in the 4th district, replacing his spouse, Juliet./DGB, WDJ