• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The ongoing consolidation efforts of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan in Negros Occidental suffered a setback after its members in Victorias City resigned from the political party, following its plans to challenge incumbent Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson in the 2025 gubernatorial race.
Atty. Jesus Villanueva Hinlo, PDP Laban deputy secretary general for Visayas, earlier announced plans to field former Victorias City Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca, if needed, to contest the Negros Occidental gubernatorial post.
Victorias City Vice Mayor Abelardo Bantug III and nine city councilors, in a letter to PDP Laban president, Palawan Rep. Jose Alvarez, said “We note that such decision was made without consultation with the undersigned PDP-Laban members and incumbent officials of Victorias City, Negros Occidental.”
Aside from Bantug III, handing in resignations as PDP Laban members were Victorias City Councilors Derek Palanca, Deilen Hofileña, Dino Jose Maria Acuña, Danilo de Asis Jr., Audie Malaga, Teresita Bartolome, Hermie Millan, Dexter Senido, and Joji Larraga.
They added that “It appears that the leadership of PDP-Laban in Negros Occidental under Atty. Hinlo has overlooked the basic principle that an organization should promote inclusivity through ‘consultation before decision,’ not the other way around.”
“Finally, this decision of the PDP-Laban no longer aligns, and is therefore inconsistent, with the principles upon which we wish to govern and serve as public servants to our constituents,” they further stressed.
Hinlo clarified on Wednesday that former Mayor Palanca has not yet decided on whether or not he will run for governor of Negros Occidental. He added that they are still in the consultation stage.
“We are still in our consultation stage. Mayor Palanca has not even accepted,” he said, stressing also that the decision to run for public office is a personal decision of all potential candidates.
Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez earlier said that the governance style and decisions during the administration of former Mayor Palanca do not reflect the current and future direction of Victorias City under his leadership.
Lacson, who earlier confirmed his intention to seek his last term as governor of Negros Occidental, during next year’s elections in May elections, said he cannot choose his opponents.
Ironically, Lacson leads Love Negros, a local political organization where Palanca is also member.
Lacson also has the full support of Love Negros – United Negros Alliance (UNegA) coalition in his bid for another term as governor of Negros Occidental.
Bantug and the nine Victorias City councilors are also Love Negros members.
UNegA secretary general Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., who is also a PDP Laban member, also disclosed that Hinlo has not coordinated with them.
“PDP does not have anything to do with our commitment with Gov. Lacson, whatever national party he is a member of,” Escalante stressed.*
