- *MITCH M. LIPA
Three incumbent councilors, who won in the 2019 elections under the dominant Grupo Progreso (GP) political group in Bacolod City, will seek re-election under a new team in next year’s polls.
Councilors Bart Orola and Simplicia Distrito were the latest to bid adieu to GP, headed by Mayor Evelio Leonardia.
In a video posted on the Facebook page of Atty. Caesar Distrito Oct. 2, the two incumbents claimed that they took into consideration “what is best for Bacolod and its people” in their decision to leave GP.
Councilor Al Victor Espino was the first to leave GP, and said early September that he was eased out of the group, although this was denied by Leonardia himself.
Espino said yesterday that former congressman Albee Benitez had confirmed to him that his running-mate for vice mayor is Atty. Distrito.
The three incumbent councilors, and Pao Sy, the daughter of the late GP Councilor Elmer Sy, are also in the line-up for the Sangguniang Panlungsod slate of Benitez, Espino said, adding that the official announcement will be made today or tomorrow.
Benitez himself or Team Albee has not issued any official statement on the reported “exodus” of GP members to his camp. The team reportedly held a unification meeting yesterday afternoon to determine the final list of candidates, and will file their COCs on Oct. 5.
The GP or Leonardia also has not issued any statement on this latest development. — MML
