Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson vowed that no town and city in Negros Occidental will be left behind regardless of their leaders’ party affiliations should he be reelected governor for a third term.
Lacson and his runningmate Board Member Jose Benito Alonso filed their certificates of candidacy for governor and vice governor before the Commission on Elections at the Social Hall of the Capitol in Bacolod City Thursday afternoon, Oct. 3.
Former Rep. Julio Ledesma IV and other Negros Occidental board members and mayors accompanied them to the Comelec to show their support.
Lacson (National People’s Coalition) said the local officials have been happy with the way he and Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer have managed the provincial government.
“We made sure that we always touched base with our local government officials…and spread projects out well, we made sure that there was no LGU left behind,” he said.
If reelected he will ensure that the practice of no LGU being left behind will continue, Lacson said.
”Six years ago, we began a journey, not just to win an election, but to realize the potential of our province and people despite the numerous challenges we faced together. We have come a long way, yet we have so much more to accomplish together. This is why I am seeking re-election for my final term as governor,” he said.
Lacson said he will continue to push for the implementation of the Negros Occidental bulk water project, which bidding has been moved to November.
The push for renewable energy and the construction of more farm to market roads and bridges are also in the pipeline, he added.
“We will see to it that by the time we step down in 2028 these projects will be finished” if reelected, Lacson said.
ALONSO
Alonso, 65, who is running for vice governor under the National Unity Party and United Negros Alliance, said he has been in public service for 35 years.
Alonso assured that should he be elected vice governor the “smooth relationship” between Lacson and Ferrer in managing the province will continue.
Ferrer has opted to run for representative of the 4th District of Negros Occidental.
LEDESMA
Ledesma, who is filing his COC for representative of the 1st District of Negros Occidental on Sunday, said he accompanied Lacson to the Comelec to show his support.
Lacson, who is from the 1st District, was a former mayor of San Carlos City where Ledesma has been seen as political kingmaker.
Ledesma said the 1st District has always been united, he has just been in the background.
He decided to return to politics because he wants to actively participate in moves to amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), which he authored.
Ledesma, served as representative of the 1st District in the 10th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 15th, and 16th congresses spanning 18 years.*