Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez said his son Victorias Mayor Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez is not running for governor of Negros Occidental, and he does not know of any group plotting to challenge Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson in the 2025 polls.
Benitez, at a press conference on Monday, March 27, also debunked rumors that he may not run for reelection as Bacolod mayor and will instead run for senator in 2025.
The Bacolod mayor said his son has been seen visiting the towns and cities of Negros Occidental because he is just doing his job as president of the Negros Association of Chief Executives, which is probably why speculation has surfaced that he is planning to run for governor.
“There’s no such thing,” he said.
“I don’t see that there can be any force that can come in” considering that the unity in Negros is very, very strong, Benitez said.
The United Negros Alliance and Love Negros coalition remain united, he does not see any cracks or divisive movements, he said.
“I’m supporting the governor…and the political coalition in Negros province,” Benitez said.
“Gov. Bong is a very, very good friend and ally,” he added.
On talk that he may not run for a second term as Bacolod mayor, Benitez said he cannot leave the projects he started hanging, he will see to their full implementation.
“With all of these projects coming online I have to see them to their completion. If it needs another term so be it, why should I leave Bacolod,” he said.
The Bacolod City government is availing of a P5.5 billion loan for various projects, including the construction of a legislative building, he said.
The city government may avail of the loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines that has offered better terms, he said.
The Bacolod City Sangguniang Panlungsod has some questions for Land Bank before it approves his request for authority to avail of the loan, he said.
The SP members are in agreement with him that now is the time to avail of a loan for various projects to pump prime Bacolod’s economy, Benitez added.*