Bacolod mayoral candidate Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez announced on Saturday, November 27, that should Rep. Greg Gasataya need a political party to join, Asenso Bacolod will accept him with open arms.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia and his Grupo Progreso on Friday cut ties with Gasataya after declaring that the congressman’s claim that he would remain neutral as far as the mayoral race is concerned is a “sham and political deception.”
Gasataya’s actions in the past weeks indicate that he is clearly with the rival camp, Leonardia said.
The congressman has yet to react to the statements of Leonardia and Benitez.
Benitez, in his statement, said “my politics transcend political coloring. I look at character and performance. Which is why I said, whatever political leanings Cong Greg will embrace, i will vote for him. Nonetheless should he need a local political party to join with, we will accept him with open arms.”
Leonardia, when asked if GP will support the congressional bid of Danny Atayde against Gasataya, said: “We are open to new alliances. We are open to everybody.”*