• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental 2nd District Rep. Alfredo Marañon III has emerged as the prime gubernatorial candidate of the United Negros Alliance (UNegA) ahead of the 2028 elections.
Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., who serves as the secretary general of UNegA, said the plan aligns with the long-term political discussions initiated nine years ago when they endorsed Eugenio Jose Lacson, who is affiliated with Love Negros, to become the governor of Negros Occidental.
He said Marañon, the UnegA president, is their top choice for the position.
“It is our expectation; we are simply being consistent,” Escalante said.
Names of Third District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez and Marañon have been mentioned as the possible gubernatorial candidates in the 2028 elections.
Lacson has been pushing for a single, unified candidate between UnegA and Love Negros for the gubernatorial post.
In a statement, Benitez said he remains fully focused on his current mandate and has made no decision regarding the Negros Occidental gubernatorial post in 2028 despite recent survey results naming him as a prospective candidate.
“To be considered by fellow Negrosanons for higher office is humbling and I’m grateful for the trust. But my answer hasn’t changed: my head is in the work the people already gave me,” Benitez said. “Surveys are snapshots. Service is the record”.
Benitez also reaffirmed his continued commitment to the provincial coalition. “Congressman Thirdy Marañon is a partner and a friend, and he has my respect. Governor Lacson wants our coalition united, and I stand with him. No decision has been made – not by me and not by the coalition,” he pointed out. | GPB
