• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday confirmed meeting former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in a social event on Nov. 10, but said there was no talk about politics.
“No politics in the dinner table,” Lacson said when asked if there was any discussion related to the mid-term elections in 2025.
The governor said he was invited to have dinner with the former president and her husband, Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo, in honor of their guest, Rose Lacson.
Lacson earlier announced his reelection bid for a third and last term in 2025, which was also supported by the United Negros Alliance (UNegA), Negros Association of Chief Executives president Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, and Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez.
Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., UNegA secretary general, said the endorsement goes with the notion that “the coalition between UNegA and Love Negros is very strong.”
“We are satisfied enough with the performance of the governor and we will continue our support for his reelection bid this coming 2025 elections,” he added.
Escalante dismissed speculations that he is being considered by the UNEgA as candidate for the vice gubernatorial post.
Now in his second term as mayor, Escalante said he has several projects that cannot be completed yet by 2025.
“I have to sacrifice my personal gain for the people of Cadiz. I have to deliver for my constituents,” he added.
Escalante, however, said three names are being eyed to be the vice gubernatorial candidate of the UNegA and this will be announced during their Christmas party in December.
Most likely, the contenders will be from southern Negros, he said.
Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer earlier confirmed that he will run for congressman in the Fourth District to succeed his wife, Rep. Juliet Marie Ferrer, who is completing her third and final term in 2025. | GB
