• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
“I am always open to talks”.
This was stressed on Thursday, Sept. 10 by Negros Occidental Third District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez in response to the call of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson for the two probable gubernatorial candidates to sit down and talk as Love Negros and the United Negros Alliance (UNegA) work toward a consensus for the 2028 elections.
Benitez and Second District Rep. Alfredo “Thirdy” Marañon III have emerged as the leading potential contenders for governor when Lacson will complete his final term.
Both are not confirming nor denying that they are competing for the gubernatorial position.
Marañon is the chairman of UNegA while Benitez’s father, Deputy Speaker Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, is among the lead convenors of Love Negros.
Benitez said he has been trying to reach out to individuals whose names have surfaced as possible contenders for the provincial top post.
“But to tell you the truth, wala man sila ga-reply sa akon (they are not responding to me),” he added. “I am here. They know me, they know my number. They can call me anytime”.
Whether he has decided to run for governor in 2028, Benitez said it is still too early to make a final decision.
“We will see. As of now, we are focusing on our job,” he said.
Benitez added that his immediate priority is attending to bills, resolutions, and activities that need to be implemented in the Third District. | GPB
