on Thu, 08/08/2017 By Arman P. Toga

Negros Occidental Vice Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson yesterday hinted on the more likely political scenario in the province in 2019.

Lacson, acknowledged as the “strongest successor” for governor in 2019, said Friday’s meeting between him and 3rd District Congressman Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez, along with other Love Negros (LN) officials, was a positive one.

Benitez is being pushed by Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. to run for governor in 2019.

In a live interview over RMN DYHB with anchormen Jeony Bigay and Serge Santillan yesterday, Lacson described the August 4, 2017 meeting as “very nice, very positive,” and that he was happy about it as there was understanding between him, Benitez and LN officials.

“Nothing was changed in what was planned before,” he said.

VG Lacson hinted that Negrenses’ hope to have a senator to represent them “is very much alive”.

The Vice Governor also said, he did not receive any negative feedback to his “expression of interest” to run for governor in 2019.

“I cannot categorically reveal what were talked about for 2019, but most likely there will be alliances. Nothing is definite yet but perhaps we can reveal everything in the last quarter of this year,” he also said.

The Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) and LN partyman, said among those present during Friday’s meeting with Cong. Benitez were 1st District Cong. Melecio Yap and former 1st District Cong. Jules Ledesma’s representative Marton Cui.

Meanwhile, there are reports that former 5th District Cong. Jeffrey Ferrer who lost in the recent election to Lacson for vice governor, might run either for governor or vice governor in 2019.

Reports are also milling in the province that Cong. Benitez will not run for governor even if incumbent Gov. Marañon pledged support for him if he will.* (Arman P. Toga)