By JEN BAYLON

The United Negros Alliance (Unega) is expected to announce its candidates for the 2025 midterm elections.

Unega president, Negros Occidental Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer revealed that local chief executives and other provincial government officials would attend their general assembly next week.

The group is expected to finalize the selection of candidates for the midterm elections during the assembly.

Ferrer indicated that one of the topics of discussion would be the positioning of local officials from Moises Padilla town, specifically Mayor Ella Mae Yanson-Garcia and Vice Mayor Ian Villaflor, who are expected to run in the upcoming elections under Unega.

The announcement is also anticipated to include Board Member Jose Benito Alonzo as Unega’s vice gubernatorial candidate, and Ferrer, who will run for congressman in Negros Occidental’s 4th District.

In Kabankalan City, three potential candidates for mayor are being fielded: Board Member Valentino Miguel Alonso, former Mayor Isidro Zayco and incumbent Mayor Benjie Miranda, who is seeking re-election for a second term.

In the fifth district of Negros Occidental, there is no confirmation yet on whether Dina Arroyo will run for district representative against incumbent Congressman Dino Yulo, who is also expected to seek re-election for his second term.

Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., Unega secretary-general, noted that the decisions on candidates for endorsement will depend on the party members’ support in their respective positions./JB, WDJ