- GILBERT BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said Thursday, March 30, that he is “inspired” by the statement issued by Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. that the United Negros Alliance (UNegA) will continue to support his administration.
Escalante, who is the secretary general of UNegA, earlier said that their alliance with Love Negros, where Lacson is affiliated, remains strong.
He noted that even though Lacson is not a member of their political group, he helped UNegA-led local government units.
“What Mayor Escalante said that UNegA does not feel that they have been alienated, that’s where I took my inspiration,” Lacson said.
Since Day 1 of his administration, he stressed that the provincial government is also present in UNegA-led LGUs.
“We did not play favoritism because we have a coalition. We try to serve everyone, regardless of political affiliation,” Lacson pointed out.
Escalante maintained that the UNegA-Love Negros coalition remains strong.
“I am sure it will carry up to the next election,” he said, apparently referring to the 2025 elections.
Meanwhile, Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez strongly belied reports that he is running against Lacson in the 2025 gubernatorial race.
His denial was echoed by his father, Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez.
As to reports that Escalante is being groomed to be his running mate in 2025, Lacson said “the choice is with UNegA”.
“As of now until the next term, UNegA has the choice for vice governor,” the governor said./GB
