Will Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and former Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia face off once more, this time in the 2025 midterm elections?
Leonardia was the first to file his certificate of candidacy (COC) before the Commission on Elections in Bacolod, running for lone district representative under the Nacionalista Party, after a Mass at the San Sebastian Cathedral yesterday afternoon.
Leonardia said it’s about time to move to the next level, as he is seeking to return to the local political scene.
“I want to widen my horizons and serve the people on a different level,” he said.
Leonardia was accompanied by his wife and daughter during the filing.
The former city mayor said many people have urged him to run for mayor again, while some said he will run for congressman.
Leonardia said he has proven his service to the Bacolodnons, so it is time to go to the next level in politics.
Since green was his campaign color when he first entered politics, and because he believes that it is the true color of Bacolod, he will wear it during the election season.
From 2013 until 2016, Leonardia served as the lone district representative for one term, and as city mayor from 2016 until 2022.
“90 percent inclined”
Meanwhile, Benitez is “90 percent inclined” to run for lone district congressman in the 2025 polls, his spokesperson Caesar Distrito said earlier this week.
Distrito said Benitez is in Turin, Italy, with several officials to promote the Slow Food Festival.
He also clarified that if the mayor runs for congressman, incumbent Lone District Congressman Greg Gasataya will run for city mayor.
However, Distrito said the official announcement would depend on Benitez upon his return to the city.
In a radio interview, he said candidates under Team Asenso will file their COCs on October 8, the last day of filing.
The former councilor said that “same team, same personality, but different positions” would happen in the filing of their COCs.
Benitez, a former Negros Occidental third district congressman, defeated Leonardia in the mayoral race in 2022.
Other COC filers
The first day of COC filing yesterday featured a notable lineup of candidates in Negros Occidental, showcasing a mix of seasoned politicians and new aspirants.
Leading the early filers is 6th District Representative Mercedes Alvarez, who is officially seeking reelection.
Alvarez was joined by her slate members, Jeffrey Tubola, a board member reelectionist, and her nephew Genaro Rafael Alvarez, also an aspiring board member.
In the 4th District, Paula Alonso, daughter of incumbent board member Jose Benito Alonso, is vying for a position as board member, alongside Bago City Mayor Nicholas Yulo, who is also running for district board member.
In Silay City, incumbent Mayor Joedith Gallego has filed his candidacy for reelection, bringing his slate, which includes Thomas Maynard Ledesma for vice mayor, and a roster of candidates for councilor, such as Rodito Badian, Leny Javellana-Castillo, Emiliano Jose Manuel Francisco Gaston, Edencio Gregorio, Darryl Hinolan, Lorenxo Ruiz Locsin, Jose Lopez, Michael Maravilla, Andrew John Penuela, and Michael Thomas Velez. / With Jen Baylon / WDJ