Partido Demokratiko Pilipino chaired by former president Rodrigo Duterte is conducting consultations for the possible fielding of PDP candidates in Negros Occidental, including a gubernatorial bet, in the 2025 polls.
“We are still on the consultation stage,” lawyer Jesus Villanueva Hinlo, PDP deputy secretary general for Visayas and Negros Occidental Council president, said on Monday, April 22.
He said they are studying whether to align with Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson or field their own gubernatorial bet if there is a clamor for change.
They have received reports of some who are dissatisfied with Lacson, he said.
If the people want an alternative they are thinking of fielding former Victorias City mayor Francis Fredrick “Wantan” Palanca for governor, he said.
“It’s not yet final because we are doing consultations,” Hinlo said, adding that it will be up to their gubernatorial candidate to choose his runningmate.
Lacson said “we cannot be choosing our opponents. PDP of course is trying to prepare already for 2028 so they need to have their own officials (in place) by trying to win the midterm elections…If that’s what PDP wants to do we cannot stop them”.
Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, in reaction to the announcement of Hinlo that PDP is considering Palanca as its gubernatorial bet, said in a Facebook post that “as the current mayor of Victorias City, it is my responsibility to be both accountable and transparent”.
“I assert firmly that the governance style and decisions during former Mayor Palanca’s administration do not reflect the current and future direction of Victorias City under my leadership. Our city stands for integrity, innovation, and inclusivity – values that we are committed to enhancing for the betterment of Victoriahanons”, he said.
BACOLOD
The PDP candidates for mayor and representative of Bacolod are also still under study, Hinlo said.
They could support candidates from one of the two opposing groups in Bacolod or field their own bets, he said.
“If there is a clamor we will choose a third force,” Hinlo said.
“As of today we are still open to an alliance with either of the major groups (in Bacolod),” he said.
SIXTH DISTRICT
In the 6th District of Negros Occidental former Hinoba-an Mayor Ernesto Estrao is “pretty convinced to run” for congressman, Hinlo said.
Businessman Jurry Nabaja will run for mayor of Cauayan, he added.
They may adopt candidates for other posts or field anyone from their group, Hinlo said.
On the possible support of the Yanson family for the PDP in Negros, being allies of Duterte, Hinlo said “that is subject to confirmation but I cannot comment on that matter at this time. We are consulting our allies if there will be a clamor to field our own candidates”.*