Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez who won as congressman and Rep. Greg Gasataya as mayor on Tuesday, May 13, vowed to continue to bring more meaningful reforms to Bacolod.
The City Board of Canvassers officially proclaimed the winners of the May 12 polls at the Bacolod City Government Center close to 4 a.m. on Tuesday.
Benitez won with 164,145 votes giving him a lead of 44,714 votes over his opponent former Bacolod mayor Evelio Leonardia who garnered 119,431 votes.
Gasataya won with 157,150 votes while his opponent Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran had 143,307 votes.
Councilor Kalaw Puentevella of Team Asenso also won as vice mayor with 146,639 votes, to defeat Councilor Renecito Novero who garnered 133,706 votes.
The 12 candidates for councilor who were proclaimed winners are: Caesar Distrito, Israel Salanga, Em Ang, Jude Thaddeus Sayson, Jason Villarosa, Celia Matea Flor, Bobby Rojas, Wilson Gamboa Jr., Dindo Ramos, Pao Sy and Homer Bais.
Eleven of the winning councilors are from Team Asenso with Gamboa from Team El Cid.
Benitez said their victory is a validation of what they have been doing for Bacolod.
“We will continue what we have been doing and an expand on it,” he said.
“I am deeply humbled by the trust you have given me once again — this time, to serve you as your congressman. From City Hall to Congress, I carry with me the same commitment to uplift lives, push for meaningful reforms, and fight for what Bacolod deserves,” was Benitez message to the people of Bacolod.
“The work continues — and I am ready,” Benitez said.
Benitez said as congressman he will be able to tap more resources from the national government for Bacolod City
Gasataya thanked the people of Bacolod for electing him mayor and said he definitely will not fail them.
He called for unity regardless of political colors for the good of the people of Bacolod.
“Thank you for trusting me to continue serving you. With a heart shaped by our shared stories and struggles, our commitment to making meaningful change – one that lifts all, leaves no one behind, and spreads hope – remains,” he said.
Familiaran, who conceded, said “the results of the election have made clear, that the next mayor will be Greg Gasataya” whom he congratulated on his victory.
Familiaran also thanked his supporters for the trust they invested in him and Team El Cid.
“Democracy is bigger than any elections. Therefore, I urge my team and supporters to respect the will of the people and work toward a better Bacolod with the newly elected officials,” he said.
“Let us continue to work together for a better and brighter future for all,” he said, as he wished the incoming administration all the best.
Puentevella thanked the people of Bacolod for giving him the opportunity to continue to serve.
He said they have a lot of plans to improve the lives of the people of Bacolod and will work hard to achieve them.*