• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The tandem of Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and Fourth District Board Member Jose Benito Alonso for the May 2025 local elections also got the support of Love Negros during the party’s general assembly in Bacolod City yesterday.
The United Negros Alliance (UNegA) earlier endorsed the tandem as well.
The Love Negros and UNegA alliance started in 2019.
“It has been a good five years of alliance with the UNegA,” said Lacson, who belongs to Love Negros.
He added that he is also happy with the choice of Alonso as his running mate.
Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, who is among the Love Negros convenors, said that the coalition is “solid and strong.”
“Whatever happens in the national scene, Negros Occidental is seen as united and strong. National officials see that the province, including Bacolod, is very solid. The partnership is united,” Benitez added.
Returning mayors Isidro Zayco of Kabankalan City and Mark Golez of Silay City also got the support of Love Negros.
Lacson said that he also expects the political group to back the congressional bid of Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer, UNegA president, in the Fourth District.
“Those who are present today are most likely official candidates of their respective local government units,” Lacson said.
Those who attended the general assembly were San Carlos City Mayor Renato Gustilo, Calatrava Mayor Marilyn Era, Escalante City Mayor Melecio Yap, Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, E.B. Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon and his son, Matthew Louis, who is running as the town mayor.
Others included Valladolid Mayor Enrique Miravalles, Hinigaran Mayor Jose Nadie Arceo, Isabela Mayor Irene Montilla, Candoni Mayor Ray Ruiz, Ilog Mayor Paul Alvarez, Cauayan Mayor John Rey Tabujara, Sipalay City Mayor Gina Montilla Lizares and Hinoba-an Mayor Daph Reliquias.
Also present were First District Rep. Gerardo Valmayor, former Silay City Mayor Mark Golez, former Kabankalan City Mayor Isidro Zayco, and Third District Board Member Manuel Frederick Ko, who is being considered as the first nominee of the Abang Lingkod partylist.
They were joined by Board Members Jeffrey Tubola, Andrew Montelibano, Araceli Somosa, Rommel Debulgado and RJ Sablan.
Lacson said he is happy with the attendance despite the inclement weather.
“I wish them the best for the elections,” the governor said.
Meanwhile, the younger Benitez said that he will announce his decision, on whether to seek reelection as mayor of Victorias City or to vie for the Third District congressional post vacated by his uncle, Jose Francisco Benitez, on Sept. 20.
Lacson also lauded Valmayor for giving up his third and final term as congressman to accommodate returning Rep. Julio Ledesma IV without any condition where he will be placed in next year’s elections.
“What was important for him (Valmayor) is for the unity that we have in San Carlos City to remain solid. He is willing to make that sacrifice,” the governor said. | GB
