Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson on Saturday, July 27, said it is very reassuring to know that the Benitez family, through Victorias Mayor Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez, reaffirmed once again their support for his reelection bid.
Lacson is running for a third and last term as governor of Negros Occidental in 2025.
The Victorias mayor said on Friday that his family will support the reelection bid of Lacson Jr. even if their relative Francis Frederick “Wantan” Palanca insists on running for the post.
“Their trust and confidence, coming from well-respected colleagues in public service, validate the hard work and unifying initiatives that the present administration has done for the province,” Lacson said.
“This support is an affirmation for me to continue serving our province and our people with resolute dedication and accountability,” he added.
Palanca, a former Victorias City mayor, is a cousin of Betty Bantug Benitez, the late mother of Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and Rep. Francisco Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) and grandmother of Javi Benitez.
It is not known if Palanca will pursue the governorship in 2025 under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino of former president Rodrigo Duterte as floated by a party official earlier.
“We have already signified our support for Gov. Bong Lacson,” the Victorias mayor stressed.*