• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez said yesterday that him swapping position with Rep. Greg Gasataya, and with Councilor Claudio Jesus “Kalaw” Puentevella for vice mayor in next year’s elections, is a win-win situation for the city.
“This is a win-win situation for Bacolod; there is a person who can continue the changes that I have started and the vision that I have dreamed of for the city,” Benitez said of Gasataya at the press conference after members of Team Asenso filed their certificates of candidacy Tuesday morning at Comelec Bacolod.
He added that Puentevella is the best choice for vice mayor, after listening in to every sentiment from various sectors. “I saw in him the qualities and the background that can bring Team Asenso forward.”
Benitez admitted that it took him a while to decide running for congressman of the city’s Lone District in the May 12, 2025 elections. “I did not announce this until the last minute (as I was) making sure that everything is aligned sang aton handum for Bacolod.”
He said he believes that Gasataya is someone who can continue the changes that he started and institutionalized in Bacolod, and can “act on my behalf as if I never left”.
The mayor, who was congressman of the Negros Occidental 3rd District from 2010 to 2019, said, the decision to seek a seat in the 20th Congress, was also for the continuous progress of Bacolod.
“(There is need to) bring Bacolod to another level, given the goal and vision that we have established for the past two and a half years. I can be closer to the national scene, closer to people who can contribute more to the development of the city,” Benitez said, noting that “all progressive LGUs have support and assistance coming from the national government nga indi parehas sa local.”
He said his congressional priorities would be aligned in ensuring the acceleration of the vision to make Bacolod a super city.
Benitez assured Bacolodnons that Team Asenso members, “a combination of different sectoral interests in the political environment, all agreed and have seen the importance of ensuring the continuity of what I started. All of these changes, even the culture that we have brought at city hall, will continue.”
Those running for councilor under Team Asenso include incumbents Celia Flor, Pao Sy, Em Ang, Thaddy Sayson, Israel Salanga, Jason Villarosa, Vladimir Gonzalez, and Al Victor Espino, and former councilors Caesar Distrito (currently Singcang-Airport punong barangay), Bobby Rojas, Homer Bais, and Dindo Ramos. | CGC
