Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and Rep. Greg Gasataya denied speculation of a political rift between them on Tuesday, Dec. 19.
The speculation began when Gasataya was not seen on stage at the Asenso Movement pledge and covenant signing for unity and change at the Paglaum Sports Complex Saturday night.
About 40,000 elected officials and family leaders were at the gathering, including those from Grupo Progreso who were the opponents of the mayor’s camp in the last election.
Benitez said Gasataya was at the Asenso Movement gathering, in fact they had snacks together before the event.
Gasataya also sat in front when he spoke, Benitez said.
The mayor said after he delivered his speech everybody thought the program was over so Gasataya left, that is why he was not at the Asenso Movement pledge and covenant signing rites.
Gasataya also said he left after the mayor spoke and the singing of the birthday song as he had several other matters to attend to.
It appears that some people trying to drive a wedge between him and the mayor just want to cause trouble, Gasataya said.
There is no rift between him and the mayor, they talk to each other regularly, Gasataya added.*