• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The guessing game is still on.
Bacolod Representative Greg Gasataya yesterday said that he will announce his plans for the 2025 elections in due time, as the filing of Certificate of Candidacy starts Tuesday, October 1 until the 8th.
At the sidelines of the “Share Maih Meal” program of his wife, Maita, at the Arao Relocation Site, Barangay Vista Alegre, Bacolod City, on Sunday, Gasataya was evasive to the question on whether he will switch positions with Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, in next year’s elections.
When asked about his relationship with Benitez, Gasataya said “it’s still the same, wala sang pagbag-o (nothing changed), the mutual respect is there.”
As far as his options are concerned for 2025, the solon said “it will be an option that will ensure that our services for the people of Bacolod will continue”
In the wake of strong insinuations and rumors that there will be a switch of positions between Benitez and Gasataya, who is currently on his last term as congressman, more than half of the 61 barangay captains in Bacolod City have issued an open letter urging the mayor to seek reelection during the 2025 polls.
The open letter of the Bacolod City barangay captains came out after Gasataya posted a cryptic statement on his Facebook account, which led to speculations by netizens on a switching of positions between him and Benitez.
Atty. Caesar Distrito, Singcang Airport barangay captain and spokesman of Benitez, said the mayor has yet to make a decision, adding that the mayor respects all the opinions and petitions. When he makes a decision, he will not be swayed by any opinions, or any convincing. He will decide on what is the best for Bacolod, what he can do for the people of Bacolod, Distrito earlier said.
Benitez is expected to return from a trip abroad on October 2.
On the other hand, Gasataya said that a total of 10,000 recipients from various barangays in the city benefited from the “Share Maih Meal” feeding program of his wife.
Aside from giving out meals, also being distributed for free are vitamins for the children. With Gasataya and his wife at the feeding program Sunday were councilors Thaddy Sayson, Al Victor Espino, Pao Sy, Mansilingan Barangay Captain Franz Gasataya, the daughter of the lawmaker, and popular actress and celebrity Ara Mina.*
