on Saturday, August 26, 2017
BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN

Political realignments have started to shape up in Negros Occidental, more than a year before the 2019 elections.

Among the local candidates eyeing higher positions, are Negros Occidental Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Himamaylan City Mayor Ernesto Agustin “Tinto” Bascon, who joined Rep. Alfredo Benitez, in an activity in EB Magalona, Negros Occidental, yesterday.

Rep Alfredo Benitez and Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Rep Alfredo Benitez(l-r, seated) with Himamaylan City Mayor Ernesto Agustin Bascon and Mayor Marvin Malacon in EB Magalona (l-r, standing).* Gilbert Bayoran photo

Lacson, who admitted that he is open for the position of governor of Negros Occidental in the next election, said yesterday that every Love-Negros member will be consulted.

Lacson admitted that they are now taking the pulse of the people, especially the mayors and vice mayors, not only in the local but also in the national scene, informing them that Benitez is considering a Senate position, with no final decision yet.

But he stressed that the decision will be known in October next year. As for the name of Rep. Mercedes Alvarez being floated as his vice-gubernatorial candidate, Lacson said, “That is an option”, considering that she is now on her last term as congresswoman of the 6th district of Negros Occidental.
But the decision will be made by Alvarez, he added.

Lacson said Love Negros remains open to talks with the United Negros Alliance, which he called a “consensus” of the group. “I guess it will be an ideal situation if we could bring it backto the 2001 alliance”, he said.

But there is no scheduled date yet for a meeting, although there are feelers being sent, Lacson said.

Benitez, of the Love-Negros group, also said there is a possible meeting with UNegA.

In his recent talks with Governor Alfredo Marañon, UNegA chairman, he said they are organizing the mass oathtaking of members in Negros Occidental of the PDP-Laban, to which he and the governor are affiliated.

Earlier, Marañon said that he will support Benitez if he runs either for senator or governor of Negros Occidental.

Asked what are the chances of his decision to run for senator, Benitez said it will depend on the people. “They will be the ones who will dictate what position I will be running for”, he said.

EB Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon,a PDP-Laban member, said he will remain with Benitez. Malaco nwas a nUNegA member,when he ran and won as mayor of EB Magalona in the last election.

Himamaylan City Mayor Bascon admitted yesterday that he was endorsed by Benitez and Love-Negros for congressman of the 5th district of Negros Occidental.

But Bascon said he has yet to decide.

“If God wants to me to serve the people of Himamaylan and the 5th district, only God knows. I will only say yes when the time comes,” he added.

Asked for his endorsement of Bascon, Benitez said “It is not an individual or personal choice. As a matter of policy, it should always be collective. I will leave it up to the vice governor (Lacson) to make that decision”.

Rep. Stephen Paduano (ABang Lingkod Partylists), meanwhile, is also reportedly eyeing another elected position, but he remained mum about it.

He endorsed Lacson for governor and Benitez for senator in EB Magalona yesterday* GPB