Thursday, May 18, 2017
By Marchel P. Espina

NEGROS Occidental Third District Representative Alfredo Benitez, who was included in the senatorial slate of the administration party in the 2019 elections, said he has yet to make a decision about his political plans.

However, he said that his priority right now is Negros Occidental.

“We need the province united so that we will have a better chance. If the province is not united, it’s hard to vie for a position in the national level,” said Benitez, who is now on his third and final term.

There should be a unified candidate for governor and vice governor for the next elections, he said.

The lawmaker said he is open to sit down and talk with the other group about their plans in 2019.

Benitez and Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson lead Love Negros while Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. heads rival group, United Negros Alliance (Unega).

However, both Benitez and Marañon have joined the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan after President Rodrigo Duterte was elected last year.

Lacson has remained with the Nationalist People’s Coalition.

“I always believe that nothing is impossible if we sit down and talk. It’s between the group of Gov and our group,” he said.

Benitez said that if there will be no unity, then he has to “re-evaluate” his chances in seeking the senatorial seat.

He said that he could run for governor, senator, or rest from politics in the next elections.

“My third option is to rest. It (politics) is tiring,” he added.

Marañon had been urging Benitez to run for senator in the next elections.

“We have to help each other to ensure we have a united front, a province that will support a candidacy to the Senate 100 percent,” Benitez said, adding that both parties have to “unite” to realize the goal.

Moreover, Benitez said it’s not only Negros Occidental and Bacolod that should unite, but also the entire Visayas.

“Like Capiz, they have one Capiz – their candidates are unopposed. We’re like that before, one Negros,” he said.

Still, he added, “Right now, political plans are very fluid. Let’s work first and fulfill those campaign promises in 2016.”

Love Negros was formed in 2013 to field then vice governor Genaro Alvarez for governor, after Marañon decided to seek a second term.

In 2010, Marañon and Alvarez were running mates under the original Unega then referred to as UNA.