July 19, 2018

NEGRENSES have been waiting for the decision of Third District Representative Alfredo Benitez in 2019, whether he runs for senator, governor or retire from politics.

However, the official, who is the third richest congressman in the country, has yet to announce his political decision for next year.

A picture of Benitez whose hands were raised by the officials of the Third District circulated in social media Facebook on Wednesday, July 18.

The caption said: “Albee Benitez 2019 Governor Negros Occidental.”

When sought for reaction, Benitez said there was no decision yet that he will seek for governor come 2019.

He quipped that the photo may mean a governor of the Rotary Club.

He also said he may retire from politics.

Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, an ally of Benitez, is poised to run for governor in the 2019 election but has stressed he will not clash with the lawmaker should he decide to seek the top provincial post.

He reiterated that he is just waiting for the decision of Benitez for 2019.

Benitez, who is now on this third and final term, was actually in the senatorial line-up of the ruling PDP-Laban, but he is not included in the top 12 candidates.

The lawmaker, for sure, is still weighing in on his options.

Negrenses including Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. have been longing to have a senator coming from the province.

But, of course, Benitez’s decision will include one thing – will that help his constituents?