• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson expressed his appreciation to the declaration of Victorias City Mayor Javier “Javi” Miguel Benitez that their family will support his reelection bid during the elections in May next year.
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 in a statement.
A senior official of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino earlier floated the name of former Victorias City Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca as a challenger for Lacson in the 2025 gubernatorial race.
Palanca is the cousin of the late Betty Bantug Benitez, mother of siblings Rep. Jose Francisco and Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo, the father of Javi.
“It is very reassuring to know that the Benitez family, through Mayor Javi, reaffirmed once again their support for my reelection. This support is an affirmation for me to continue serving our province, and our people with resolute dedication and accountability,” Lacson said.
The Love Negros and United Negros Alliance (UNegA) coalition has also aired their full support for Lacson, who will be seeking his third and final term as governor of Negros Occidental.
As of this time, there is no word yet from former Mayor Palanca, whether he will accept the possible endorsement from PDP as their gubernatorial bet for Negros Occidental.
Palanca and former Hinobaan Mayor Ernesto Estrao recently took their oath as PDP members in Cebu City. The political party is now led by Senator Robin Padilla.
Estrao is eyeing to mount a challenge against incumbent Rep. Mercedes Alvarez in the congressional race for the 6th district.*
