Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Tuesday, August 18, that he is still hoping a Love Negros and United Negros Alliance (UNegA) coalition will field a unified ticket for governor and vice governor in 2028.
His statement comes amid political speculation over a potential gubernatorial clash in the 2028 polls between Rep. Alfredo Marañon III (Neg. Occ., 2nd District) of UNegA and Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) of Love Negros.
Lacson, who is serving his third and final term as governor, stressed that whoever succeeds him must prioritize the welfare of Negrenses.
“If there are names already floating around, that is exactly what we’re trying to settle—if we can still agree on one coalition candidate,” he said.
The governor acknowledged that while there is no written agreement stating it is UNegA’s turn to field a gubernatorial candidate, he understands why the party would want to push for the top post.
“That is something you cannot just put aside. That is why we’re trying to work it out to keep the coalition together,” Lacson said.
He added that while no formal meeting between Love Negros and UNegA has been scheduled yet, one can be called “anytime when appropriate”.*
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