Rep. Alfredo Marañon III (Neg. Occ., 2nd District) and Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) on Wednesday, Aug. 19, said it is too early to talk about politics and that they are focusing on work for now.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Tuesday that he is still hoping a Love Negros and United Negros Alliance (UNegA) coalition will field a unified ticket for governor and vice governor in 2028.
His statement came amid political speculation over a potential gubernatorial clash in the 2028 polls between Marañon of UNegA and Benitez of Love Negros.
Marañon said a united ticket would be good, but for now he is focusing on work and the concerns at hand.
A survey on the 2028 governor preference in Negros Occidental by “RPMD Foundation Inc.” circulating online Wednesday showed Benitez at 42.40 percent against Marañon’s 38.04 percent.
Benitez, in a statement on his Facebook page, said, “I’ve seen the survey that came out today. To be considered by fellow Negrosanon for higher office is humbling, and I’m grateful for the trust. But my answer hasn’t changed: my head is in the work the people already gave me.”
“That work is urgent. Our sugarcane farmers are fighting RSSI. Families near Kanlaon are still rebuilding. The Third District has commitments, and I intend to keep them,” Benitez said.
Surveys are snapshots, service is the record, he said, noting that “even this survey says it’s early and the race is open, and I agree. The numbers I follow are the hectares we treat and the farmers we reach.”
“On 2028, nothing has changed. Congressman Thirdy Marañon is a partner and a friend, and he has my respect. Governor Lacson wants our coalition united, and I stand with him. No decision has been made, not by me and not by the coalition,” Benitez said, adding that meanwhile there is work to finish.*
[sibwp_form id=1]