BY CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
Winners of the two rival political camps in Bacolod City expressed mixed emotions over the results of the May 9 election.
Re-electionists Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya of Asenso Bacolod and Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran of Grupo Progreso said they feel happy that they have been re-elected by the people to serve for a third and final term, and at the same time sad that some of their party mates lost.
Mayor-elect Albee Benitez thanked the people for their support and said that their call for change is strong. And as promised, that is what he will do.
He said that his son, Mayor-elect Javi Benitez of Victorias and brother, re-elected Neg. Occ. 3rd District Rep. Kiko Benitez, are also humbled by the support of their constituents.
Meanwhile, Gasataya said that despite the result of the elections they are thankful to the people for trusting them and for listening to their programs and plans for Bacolod.
He said he will file a bill for the redistricting or the division of Bacolod into two districts when the 19th Congress begins. This is long overdue. It only needs a resolution from the City Council.
Familiaran said he will continue the same style of management and also treat all the members of the City Council fairly when they assume office.
He also thanked the Lord for giving him another three years to finish his third and last term and also thanked outgoing Mayor Evelio Leonardia, congressional candidate Dan Atayde, as well as the whole GP slate, their supporters and all those who voted for him.
Elected Councilor Jude Thaddeus Sayson of Team Asenso said he did not expect to be elected number one councilor since he only wanted to return to public service. But the people gifted him with a position that entails greater responsibility.
Councilor Israel Salanga of GP said he did not also expect to be elected number two councilor of Bacolod and for this, he is grateful. He believes that the people have seen and appreciated the services they have rendered as frontliners during the pandemic.
Councilor Cindy Rojas and elected Councilor Em Ang thanked all those who voted for them and who again gave them their trust, all those who worked hard during the campaign, and their GP family.
Ang said the legacy of Mayor Bing Leonardia, which has benefitted hundreds of thousands of Bacolodnons, will remain. They love him and appreciate everything that he has done through the many years of serving the people of Bacolod.
Rojas said she also felt mixed emotions because some of their GP party mates did not make it and that she considers the election results a bitter sweet victory for them who were elected.*
