Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez (center) flanked by Rep. Greg Gasataya (left) and former councilor Caesar Distrito (right).*Caesar Distrito FB page photo
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez who returned from Japan on Monday, November 7, has tested positive for COVID-19.
On his arrival in Manila from his official leave he had himself tested for COVID-19 for a meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos and the result was positive, he said.
“I feel okay but with mild symptoms”, he said.
“Rest assured that all day to day task of the City would continue to function well, while I am working from home,” he added.
“To all the people in Bacolod, the challenges of the coronavirus is still there. Stay safe always,” he said.
Councilor Celia Flor who joined Benitez in Japan said all the members of their delegation will have themselves tested for COVID-19 as a precaution.
So far former councilor Bart Orola has tested negative, Councilor Al Victor Espino said.
Aside from Flor, Espino and Orola other members of Team Asenso Bacolod who joined the mayor in Japan were councilors – Simple Distrito, Thaddy Sayson, Kalaw Puentevella, Jayson Villarosa, Vladimir Gonzales and Pao Sy.
Also with the group were barangay captains Rosinie Distrito (Singcang), Itik Talimodao (Granada), Noli Villarosa (Tangub), Rodney Carmona (Sum-ag), Donnie Dela Vega (Alijis), JR Alcantara (12), Joemarie Biasca (36), Elmer Villanueva (40), Wowie Orola (26), Karl Magno (14), and Lope Ledesma (24).
Also part of their delegation were former councilors Sonya Verdeflor and Caesar Distrito, and former Board Member Patrick Lacson.
Their trip was personally funded by Benitez, Distrito said.
Distrito said considering that they were with Benitez in Japan, their group deemed it necessary to self-isolate within the period required of persons exposed to a COVID-positive individual.
They will also subject themselves to tests to be sure that they are free from COVID and for the safety of everyone, although they have no symptoms, Distrito added.*