• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) led by former President Rodrigo Duterte is eyeing to field a gubernatorial candidate for Negros Occidental in the 2025 mid-elections.
Lawyer Jesus “JV” Hinlo, PDP deputy secretary general for Visayas, said on Monday, April 22 that they would make the move if there is clamor to replace Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson.
There is no final decision yet as they are still in the stages of consultation with their partymates and other allies, said Hinlo, who also sits as the PDP Council president of Negros Occidental.
He admitted getting reports of dissatisfaction with the administration of Lacson.
“If there is a clamor from the people, who want an alternative candidate, we are thinking of fielding former Victorias City Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca for governor,” Hinlo said.
Lacson, who earlier confirmed his intention to seek a third term as governor of Negros Occidental, said that he cannot choose his opponent.
He also said that PDP needs to have their own officials who will try to win in the next mid-term elections.
“If the PDP wants to do it, we can’t stop them,” he added.
The Love Negros-United Negros Alliance coalition earlier pledged their full support to the re-election bid of Lacson.
In a statement, Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez said, “I assert firmly that the governance style and decisions during former Mayor Palanca’s administration do not reflect the current and future direction of Victorias City under my leadership. Our city stands for integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, values that we are committed to enhancing for the betterment of Victoriahanons.”
Stressing that it is his responsibility to be both accountable and transparent, Benitez further said, “I appreciate the people’s trust and support in our government. Whatever their decision will be, we wish them well.”
On reports that former mayor Toboso Richard Jaojoco will be the runningmate of Palanca, Hinlo clarified that such position is still open.
“We will leave it to our governor to choose his partner,” he said.
Hinlo said that they are also studying if they will field candidates for mayor and congressman in Bacolod City, or have an alliance with either two major political groups in the city.
“If there is a clamor, we will field a third force,” he said.
PDP is also girding to field candidates in other local government units and congressional districts of Negros Occidental, specifically in the sixth district, where former Hinobaan mayor Ernesto Estrao already aired his plan to challenge incumbent Rep. Mercedes Alvarez.
Businessman Jurry Nabaja is also being considered for the Cauayan mayoralty post.
“We are now in consultation with our partymates for the possible fielding of PDP candidates in Negros Occidental,” Hinlo said. | GB
