Lacson unfazed by ally's bid for governor

BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said he is unfazed by the plan of former Victorias City Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca to run against him in the 2025 elections.

«That's his call, anybody can always run for any government position,» said Lacson, who is seeking another term as governor of the province.

«We cannot choose our opponents but we will be putting on the table what we have done for six years for the people to decide. We will be judged on how we performed for the past six years.»

Palanca was a member of Love Negros, a political party led by Lacson and Bacolod Mayor Albee Benitez.

The governor said that he wants people to see the development in Negros Occidental.

«How has the provincial government managed Negros Occidental. It's not about me it's about the whole government that includes the department heads and employees,» he said.

The governor said he will file his certificate of candidacy (CoC) at 3 p.m. on October 3 along with board member Jose Benito Alonso as his vice gubernatorial tandem.

«I have invited the other congressional candidates and the candidates for board members if they want to join us on that day,» he said.

Earlier, Jesus Hinlo, provincial chairman of Partido Demokratikong Pilipino said Palanca is «99 percent sure to run as governor.»

«He will run without a vice governor and we will be allies with those who will not support Governor Bong Lacson,» Hinlo said.

The Commission on Elections will accept CoCs at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City from October 1 to 8.