• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday confirmed that he is running for a third and last term in the 2025 midterm elections.
While his political group, Love Negros, has yet to meet to discuss their plans, Lacson said that right now, he is the presumptive candidate for 2025.
“If only to also give me the opportunity to finish my term, as provided by law,” he added.
He said there is still enough time for them to discuss the elections in 2025.
Several names have been floated to challenge Lacson in his bid for a third and last term.
Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., secretary-general of United Negros Alliance (UNegA), doused speculations that Second District Rep. Alfredo Marañon III may run for the top Capitol post, stressing that the former governor’s son is firm in wanting to complete his term as congressman.
The name of Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez has also been floated to run for governor, but he and his father, Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, debunked such speculation.
Escalante said that UNegA president, Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, has indicated his intention to return to Congress as his wife Rep. Juliet Marie Ferrer is set to complete her third term as congresswoman of the 4th District in 2025.
UNegA is eyeing three of its incumbent members to be included in the shortlist as possible replacement of Ferrer for the vice gubernatorial post.
Lacson said Ferrer and his family feel that they can help more Negrenses, especially in the 4th District, should he returns to Congress.
As to the replacement of Ferrer, he said it will be decided by UNegA.
“I can work with anyone,” the governor said.
Escalante reiterated that UNegA is fully committed to its alliance with Love Negros, and they will support Lacson in 2025.
“We will continue to work together,” Lacson added. | GB
