There are still many twists that may happen in politics in Bacolod City, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran said yesterday.

Familiaran said the dynamics of politics in the city will change if Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez takes office as secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Benitez has now reportedly been one of the possible candidates to replace DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr.

Familiaran said Benitez has strong credentials as Interior secretary, and is close to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

It is learned that Abalos is likely to run for senator in the 2025 midterm elections.

In a radio interview yesterday, Benitez’s spokesperson, Atty. Caesar Distrito, said the mayor had been offered a cabinet position, but he rejected it because of his commitment to serving the people of Bacolod.

Distrito believes that Benitez will study the decision carefully if he is offered the position in the DILG.

“If the news about the soon-to-be vacant DILG post will be offered to him, Mayor Albee will take into consideration all factors before making a decision,” Distrito said.

“His decision will be anchored on the basis of what will be best for the City of Bacolod,” he added.

Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson acknowledged that there is a possibility that Benitez will be appointed as the next Interior secretary.

However, Lacson said he had no “inside information” about rumors on Benitez’s possible appointment to the DILG.

Lacson said Abalos is expected to run for senator, and once he files his certificate of candidacy, he will have to vacate the position./WDJ