By JEN BAYLON

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said his decision to run for another term will not be influenced if former Victorias City Mayor Wantan Palanca will also run as provincial governor in the 2025 midterm elections.

In an interview yesterday, Lacson said everyone has the right to run for government positions.

He announced his plans to file his certificate of candidacy on October 3, alongside his running mate, Joeben Alonso.

The governor said that during his campaign, he would present the province’s achievements under his administration.

He will leave the decision to the Negrenses.

Earlier, Jayvee Hinlo, chairman of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) in Negros Occidental, said Palanca is “99 percent” likely to enter the gubernatorial race in the midterm elections.

“I leave it to Palanca the remaining one percent until he makes the final announcement,” Hinlo said.

According to Hinlo, Palanca will run without a vice governor.

The PDP is set to discuss potential alliances for Palanca’s campaign, and is planning a public declaration of their candidates soon./JB, WDJ