• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Abang Lingkod party-list Rep. Stephen Joseph Paduano revealed on Wednesday that political leaders have agreed to endorse Board Member Jose Benito Alonso as their vice gubernatorial bet in the elections next year.
Incumbent Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer earlier announced his intention to seek the post of Negros Occidental 4th district congressional, replacing his wife, Rep. Juliet Marie Ferrer, who is on her third and final term.
During the Christmas party of Philippine Councilor’s League – Negros Occidental, attended by some mayors and Third District Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez, Paduano said he was given the privilege to endorse Board Member Alonso as their vice gubernatorial bet, in tandem with Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson.
As agreed by the coalition, apparently referring to United Negros Alliance and Love Negros, the vice gubernatorial post is reserved for UNegA.
Paduano also expressed his full support for the planned reelection bid of Lacson
He strongly denied reports that he will be running for vice governor in the province.
Paduano also said that he is inclined to believe that Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez may go for reelection as the chief executive of Bacolod City, noting that the changes he wants to implement have not been fulfilled, as expected by Bacolodnons.
Asked who will be the congressional candidate and vice mayor bet of Benitez, which he will be supporting in the midterm elections next year, Paduano said, without elaborating further, that he already finished discussing it with the mayor.
Paduano stressed that his commitment is only for Benitez in 2025, with no congressman and vice mayor. He also clarified that he never lobbied for Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran to be the tandem of Mayor Albee, although there is no question on track record.
Incumbent Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya is currently in his final term as a congressman.
Should there be a candidate for congressman in Bacolod, Paduano said he should be qualified, based on his set of qualifications, for him to earn his support.*
