• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
In the wake of insinuations and rumors that there will be “switching of positions” between Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya, 35 out of the 61 barangay captains in Bacolod City issued an open letter, urging the mayor to seek reelection during the May 2025 midterm elections.
Gasataya is now on his third and last term as congressman while Benitez is serving his first term.
In the open letter being circulated on social media, the concerned barangay captains said they got information that Benitez may run for congressman instead.
“We feel it is imperative to convey our strong belief that Bacolod City needs you to remain in your position as mayor – a role which you have excelled and made a significant impact in just two short years,” they said.
They added: “Under your leadership, we have witnessed remarkable progress and substantial improvements that have significantly enriched the lives of our constituents. Your unwavering commitment to the welfare of Bacolod’s citizens is commendable”.
They also said that Benitez’s “hands-on approach and dedication have fostered a renewed spirit of collaboration among the barangays, bridging the gap, and ensuring that every voice is heard”.
Benitez, who is on official travel abroad, is expected to return to Bacolod City on Oct. 2.
The filing of certificate of candidacy for the May 2025 midterm elections is set on Oct. 1 to 8.
The open letter of the barangay captains came out after Gasataya posted a cryptic statement on his Facebook account, which raised speculates on the switching of positions between him and Benitez.
“The strength of every society rests upon its people. This can be proudly said of our beloved city of Bacolod today as its duly elected leaders are focused on serving its people in unity and with integrity and compassion,” Gasataya said.
Lawyer Caesar Distrito, village chief of Barangay Singcang-Airport and spokesman of Benitez, said that the mayor has yet to make a decision.
“The mayor respects all the opinions and petitions. Definitely, he will look into that. He will not totally disregard it,” he added.
Distrito said that when Benitez makes a decision, he will not be swayed by any opinion or need any convincing.
“He will decide on what is the best for Bacolod, what he can do for the people of Bacolod,” he said.
Distrito, who did not sign the open letter, said he will support whatever the decision of Benitez will be.
The running mate of Benitez in the 2022 elections, Distrito appealed to the public to respect whatever the mayor decides to pursue.| GB
