Bacolod Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran is running for a higher position in the 2025 elections, but it will not be against Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez.
Benitez has yet to announce if he is seeking reelection or running for congressman of Bacolod.
Familiaran will decide on the position he will run for based on the decision of Benitez.
“I promised Mayor Albee that I will not run against him, I am waiting for his decision”, Familiaran said.
Rep. Stephen Paduano (Abang Lingkod) said he is supporting Familiaran, who is a member of the Lakas CMD, for whatever post he decides on.
Paduano said Familiaran had asked Benitez for permission to run for congressman a few months back.
“It is Mayor Albee’s call”, Paduano said.
Familiaran said Rep. Greg Gasataya is a distant relative and he has no animosity with him.
If they end up running against each other it will be a friendly one, he said.
Paduano said he will also support the two barangay captains who won in an Asenso Bacolod convention held to choose two additional candidates for councilor of the group.
Vista Alegre Barangay Captain Jose Maria Leandro Norberto De Leon, and Brgy 36 Captain Teodoro Yulo reportedly garnered the highest votes.
They will be running for councilor in the 2025 polls, Paduano said.
The mayor has not acknowledge the winners of the convention saying it is under investigation.*