By CESAR JOLITO III
Three prominent political figures have emerged as possible candidates for Negros Occidental governor in the 2028 national and local elections as the two biggest political blocs continue discussions on presenting a unified candidate.
Negros Occidental 2nd District Representative Alfredo “Thirdy” Marañon III confirmed yesterday that his name is among those being considered for the province’s top elective post.
Speaking to reporters, Marañon said that aside from him, the names being discussed by the United Negros Alliance (UNegA) and Love Negros coalition are Negros Occidental 3rd District Representative Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez and Cadiz City Mayor Salvador “Bading” Escalante, Jr.
According to Marañon, the possible candidates were identified following a meeting of leaders from the two allied political parties, which was held as part of ongoing consultations on the coalition’s strategy for the 2028 elections.
He clarified, however, that only one of the three nominees will eventually be chosen as the coalition’s official gubernatorial candidate and that discussions are still ongoing regarding who will receive the endorsement of both parties.
The development comes a day after Deputy House Speaker and Bacolod Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez disclosed that top political leaders in Negros Occidental are exploring the possibility of fielding a single coalition candidate for governor once Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson completes his final term in office.
During the interview yesterday, Benitez said he attended a high-level meeting between leaders of Love Negros and UNegA, emphasizing that the selection process remains open.
“We want to keep the process open for now — there is no final choice yet for 2028,” Benitez said, adding that discussions remain in their early stages.
The consultative meeting held on Monday, June 8, brought together some of the province’s most influential political leaders in the province.
With Lacson constitutionally barred from seeking another term, he has been advocating for the same unity strategy that proved successful in previous elections by presenting a common candidate from the coalition and preventing a split in votes.
‘I don’t take it lightly’
Following reports linking him to the position, Representative Javi Benitez, in an official statement yesterday, said he was honored by the speculation but remains focused on his current responsibilities as representative of the province’s 3rd district.
“I’ve seen my name on the list of possible candidates for governor in 2028. I’m humbled by it, and I don’t take it lightly,” Benitez said.
“But my honest answer is that my head is in the work I already have. The people of the 3rd district and of Negros Occidental put me in Congress to do a job, and that job isn’t done,” he added.
Benitez stressed that no decision has been made either by him or by the coalition regarding the 2028 elections.
“In 2028, nothing has been decided. Not by me, not by the coalition. Anyone telling you otherwise is getting ahead of the facts. When the time comes, I trust our people and I trust our leaders to choose the right person,” he added.
The congressman also outlined the priorities he believes should guide the province’s future leadership, emphasizing the need for clean and efficient governance that leaves no one behind.
He said healthcare should remain the top priority, while the province’s sugar industry must be protected and modernized alongside the broader agro-industrial sector.
Benitez also highlighted the importance of preparing Negrenses for the changing global economy by investing in skills development, expanding opportunities for creative industries, and embracing artificial intelligence as an essential part of future growth.
“Leadership isn’t about how many years you’ve spent in public life. It’s about what you actually do with them,” he said.
In closing his statement, Benitez reaffirmed his commitment to public service, saying, “Para sa akon, isa lang ang importante — serbisyo nga matuod, kag Negros nga padayon nga nagasulong.”
Leaders of Love Negros and UNegA are expected to continue consultations in the coming months as they work toward selecting a single standard-bearer for the 2028 gubernatorial race, with maintaining coalition unity remaining a key objective./CCJ, WDJ