By JEN BAYLON
As the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) begins today, several former councilors of the Bacolod City government have announced their plans not to run in the 2025 midterm elections.
Their decisions were revealed amid rising anticipation in the city’s political landscape.
Former Councilor Sonya Verdeflor said that she will not seek a position in the upcoming elections.
In a radio interview yesterday, Verdeflor explained that the 2022 elections marked the end of her political career.
She will, however, continue her role as a social services consultant for Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez.
Similarly, former Councilor Archie Baribar has no plans to run in the polls.
Baribar emphasized that he would consult with his family whether to run in the elections due to health concerns.
While he acknowledged that running again remains “at the back of his mind,” he stressed that politics is not his priority.
“Politics in Bacolod has become like a dance without music; it’s turning into a parody,” Baribar said, reflecting his view on the current political climate in the city.
Meanwhile, former Councilor Bart Orola also announced that he will not be running in 2025.
However, he plans to pass the political torch to his son, Punong Barangay Wawie Orola.
Ex-councilor Ann Marie Palermo has no plans to run due to limited resources and the logistical challenges of running without a political party.
Palermo, who has completed two full terms as a city councilor, stated that no offers have been made by some political parties to recruit her as their candidate.
Former Councilor Jun Gamboa, who is currently in Geneva, Switzerland, mentioned that there is only a one percent chance for him to run again.
Gamboa said he is monitoring the developments in Bacolod’s political scene, but for now, his focus is on a study grant he received in Europe.
Former City Councilor Dindo Ramos, currently in Australia for a family event, has yet to decide whether he will run in the midterm elections.
Meanwhile, Bacolod Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran is expected to run for a higher position, either for mayor or congressman, in the 2025 elections, according to Abang Lingkod Representative and 3rd District caretaker Stephen “Caraps” Paduano.
Familiaran had informed Benitez about his plans as early as January of this year, saying it was time for the vice mayor to pursue a higher position in the city government, Paduano said.
He also clarified that Familiaran and Benitez have no intention of running against each other.
During a recent Lakas-CMD party event in Negros Occidental’s Talisay City, Paduano raised Familiaran’s hand, signaling his support for the vice mayor’s candidacy in the upcoming elections.
Familiaran, who humorously quipped, “I will not run … away,” awaits Benitez’s decision on whether he will run for mayor or congressman.
On the other hand, speculation has been growing that Benitez may run for congressman, in which Familiaran is expected to seek the mayoral post, possibly running against Asenso Bacolod’s candidate, Lone District Congressman Greg Gasataya./JB, WDJ