Thursday, October 5, 2017
By Gilbert Bayoran

Whatever his decision, there will be no clash.

This was also the response yesterday of Negros Occidental Vice-Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson to the statement of Rep. Alfredo Benitez, who is being pushed by the mayors of the 3rd district of Negros Occidental, to run for governor in the 2019 elections.

Lacson, who already signified his intention to run for governor of Negros Occidental in the next local election, reiterated that he will remain with the Nationalist People's Coalition, despite the invitation for them to join the PDP-Laban of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Benitez was quoted as saying earlier that he will not run against Lacson in the gubernatorial race. But Lacson said he was not aware of that, although he had talks with Rep. Benitez before.

Lacson said this information has not been relayed to him. but added “I hope the fake news does not come from the media”.

Benitez, who is now on his last term as congressman of the 3rd district of Negros Occidental, was already reported to have been included in the PDP-LABAN senatorial line up in the 2019 elections. But the solon said he has yet to decide on it.

About 11,500 political leaders in Negros Occidental, including those in Bacolod City, are expected to simultaneously take their oaths as PDP-Laban members in the cities of Victorias and Bacolod today.

Last year, more than 200 political leaders in Negros Occidental led by Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. also took their oaths as PDP-Laban members.

Earlier Marañon had said that he will support whatever decision Benitez makes.

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi are expected at the oathtaking rites.

“Tomorrow (today) is a very big day for PDP-Laban. I am sure they will have the numbers in attendance both in Victorias and Bacolod cities. So I wish them well”, Lacson said.

PDP-Laban has an alliance with the NPC.* GPB