• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The United Negros Alliance (UNegA) yesterday joined Love Negros in extending support to Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, in the wake of allegations thrown against him by suspended Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves.
“It’s sad that political allies part ways,” Cadiz mayor and UNegA secretary general Salvador Escalante Jr. said.
Teves, along with his brother, former Negros Oriental Gov. Pryde Henry Teves, and 11 others were tagged as “terrorists” by the Anti-Terrorism Council, in connection with the deaths of former Gov. Roel Degamo, and several others.
Rep. Teves has alleged that he has business transactions with Benitez, and that the latter also owes him a certain amount of money. They were former colleagues in the Visayan bloc.
Benitez earlier said he will answer the financial issues in a proper forum, as advised by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.
Escalante said UNegA supports the brand of leadership of Benitez, stressing that they often consult with him, on his unconventional yet effective approach to the intricacies of running Bacolod.
That is why our coalition remains to be strong, he stressed.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, who is affiliated with Love Negros, also recently said they believe the integrity of Benitez.*
