• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental 6th District Board Member Jeffrey Tubola has downplayed rumors linking his National People’s Coalition partymate, 6th District Rep. Mercedes Alvarez, to a vice gubernatorial bid in the 2028 elections.
On his last term as board member, Tubola said there is a 99 percent chance that Alvarez will not seek the province’s second highest position despite claims circulating on social media.
She is being considered as the running mate of Third District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez, who is rumored to run for governor of Negros Occidental.
Benitez earlier said that no decision has been made for governor in 2028, but he is ready for talks, following the statement of Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson that he will push for a common candidate of Love Negros and United Negros Alliance.
The lawmaker from Victorias City has been recently spotted with 6th Board Member Ralph Alvarez and former vice governor Genaro Alvarez during a visit for the Manang Pula Festival in Manapla on Aug. 23.
Tubola said city and municipal mayors have been advised to wait for formal group arrangements and to abide by the final decisions of the parties as Lacson works to preserve the existing political coalition despite members reaching their final terms.
Meanwhile, Tubola said running for mayor of Kabankalan City is not currently on his mind although he remains open to whatever opportunities may arise.
He said his record in public service may have prompted some groups to consider him for a mayoral bid.
Tubola previously served as a barangay kagawad and barangay captain of Magballo before winning three consecutive terms as city councilor. | GPB
