• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Bacolod congressman-elect Alfredo “Albee” Benitez got 56.96 percent, or 164,145 votes, compared to his closest rival, Evelio “Bing” Leonardia, who received 119,431 votes, or 41.45 percent, per official records of the Commission on Elections May 13.
“I am deeply humbled by the trust you have given me once again — this time, to serve you as your congressman,” Benitez, incumbent city mayor, told Bacolodnons in a statement.
“From City Hall to Congress, I carry with me the same commitment to uplift lives, push for meaningful reforms, and fight for what Bacolod deserves. The work continues — and I am ready,” he added.
Benitez was proclaimed along with mayor-elect Greg Gasataya, vice mayor-elect Kalaw Puentevella, and the winning members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) early Tuesday morning by the city Board of Canvassers at the SP Session Hall.
Gasataya, who will end his three terms as Bacolod Lone District representative on June 30, was chosen by 157,150 voters, or 52.3 percent, while outgoing Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran got 143,307 votes, or 47.7 percent.
Puentevella received 146,639 votes, or 52.31 percent, compared to his fellow councilor, Renecito Novero, with 133,706 votes, or 47.69 percent.
The winning SP members are comebacking Councilor Caesar Distrito, 153,377 votes; reelected councilors Israel Salanga, 149,906; Em Ang, 146,548; Thaddy Sayson, 144,827; Jason Villarosa, 137,623; and Celia Matea Flor, 122,669; comebacking councilors Dindo Ramos, 121,382; Bobby Rojas, 121,233; and Wilson Gamboa Jr., 120,784; reelected Councilor Pao Sy, 119,610; comebacking Councilor Homer Bais, 118,957; and reelected Councilor Al Victor Espino with 113,441 total votes.
Eleven of the proclaimed councilors are in the Asenso Bacolod slate of Benitez while Gamboa ran under the Team El Cid banner in the May 12 midterm elections. | CGC
