BY CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
Former Bacolod Councilor Caesar Distrito yesterday said he was asked by former 3rd District congressman Albee Benitez, who has declared his intention to run for mayor of Bacolod City, to be his running mate.
Distrito said he is seriously thinking about the matter. He will be consulting his political leaders and supporters especially in Barangay Singcang-Airport and Mangsungay, and will also pray and seek divine guidance as to what decision to make, whether to run as vice mayor or seek his fourth term as councilor.
He will also seek advice from his family particularly from his mother, Councilor Simple Distrito, and brother, Singcang Barangay Captain Rosinie Distrito, including his personal friend, Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya, he said.
“My being a lawyer and professor in Graduate School, and Political and Criminal Law in various universities in Bacolod City, would have for sure prepared me if ever I decided to run. I am not new in legislative work. In fact, I have been in the Sangguniang for nine years as I was elected for three consecutive terms as councilor, was chosen twice as floor leader, and had chaired major committees such as Budget and Finance, and Laws and Ordinances,” Distrito said.
He said he also had series of long talks with Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia and informed him that he was invited by Benitez to run as vice mayor, although he is not decided. He has no negative works or bad relations with the mayor.
“What I have is pure appreciation and thanks for allowing me to be part of his line-up when I ran in the 2010, 2013 and 2016 elections, he added.
Meanwhile, Distrito said Benitez has presented his programs that focus on health care for all Bacolodnons including plans of establishing a city hospital, solutions to the housing backlog, infrastructure and road network improvements, complete renovation of the three public markets, solution to flooding problems, plans to create business and job opportunities like the establishment of industrial zones, among others.*
