Former Councilor Caesar Distrito said former Rep. Alfredo Benitez, who is running for mayor of Bacolod City, has invited him to be his runningmate.
“I am seriously thinking about it. I will consult my political leaders and supporters especially in barangays Singcang-Airport and Magsungay, “ he said Wednesday, September 29.
Distrito said he will pray and seek divine guidance on whether to run as vice mayor or seek a fourth term as councilor.
He will seek the advice of his family, particularly his mother Councilor Simple Distrito and his brother Brgy Captain Rosinie Distrito, and his friend Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya, Distrito said.
Benitez presented his programs that focus on health care for all Bacolodnons, including establishing a city hospital, solving the housing backlog, infrastructure and road network improvements, the complete renovation of the three major public markets, the solution to the perennial flooding of city streets, and creating business and job opportunities like industrial zones, among others, he said.
Being a lawyer and a graduate school and political and criminal law professor in various universities in Bacolod City have prepared him for the job if ever he decides to run, Distrito said.
“I am not new in legislative work, in fact, I have been in the Sanggunian for nine years as I was elected for three consecutive terms as councilor, was chosen twice as floor leader and chaired major committees such as budget and finance, and laws and ordinances,” he added.
Distrito said he had a series of long talks with Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia and he informed him that he was invited by Benitez to run as vice mayor, although he still has not decided.
“I have no negative words or bad relations with him (Leonardia). What I have is purely appreciation and thanks for allowing me to be part of his line up when I ran in the 2010, 2013 and 2016 elections,” he said.*