• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Deputy Speaker and Bacolod City Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez met with Love Negros members, including Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, on June 8 to discuss local political developments.
These included the possibility of sustaining the coalition between two political groups in Negros Occidental heading into the 2028 national and local elections.
Since 2019, Love Negros and United Negros Alliance (UnegA) have entered into a coalition and fielded a common candidate in the gubernatorial and vice gubernatorial positions, among other elected local positions.
Benitez, who is among the key figures of Love Negros, said Tuesday, June 9 that no final decisions have been made regarding candidates that Love Negros will support in future electoral contests.
“There is no finality yet on the candidates to be supported by Love Negros,” Lacson said.
The meeting was attended by representatives of congressional districts in the province, except for 1st District Rep. Julio Ledesma.
One of the topics discussed was the prospect of maintaining the existing political coalition in Negros Occidental beyond the current term.
“There is a chance that the coalition in Negros will continue by 2028. We are hoping that it will happen,” Benitez said, adding that discussions remain ongoing.
The Bacolod lawmaker also confirmed that a proposal was raised during the meeting to field common candidates under a coalition arrangement.
“That was a proposal — to have coalition candidates,” he said.
Lacson is completing his third and final term as governor of Negros Occidental in 2028. | GB
