Asenso for a Better Bacolod (ABB) vs. Grupo Progreso (GP) in 2022: ‘Battle royale’ shifts to high gear

 

The “battle royale” in Bacolod City for the 2022-2025 seats at City Hall is shifting to high gear with the filing of Certificates of Candidacy of two major opposing groups’ aspirants.

Meanwhile, more independent candidates are also set to file CoCs this morning after which they will reportedly meet the media at the Negros Press Club.

ABB

ABB, identifiable by its contenders’ white shirts, is headed by billionaire and former 3rd district congressman and provincial government consultant Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez who is running for mayor.

Benitez’ running mate is three-termer Councilor, Atty. Caesar Distrito.

Their team mates running for councilor are incumbents Al Victor Espino, Bart Orola, and Simple Distrito; former vice mayor Thaddy Sayson, former councilors Homer Bais, Celia Flor, Kalaw Puentevella, and Sonya Verdeflor; former three-term Negros Occidental board member Patrick Lacson, businessman Vladimir Gonzales, SK chairman Jason Villarosa, and Pao Sy, daughter of the late councilor Elmer Sy.

GP

Grupo Progreso bets, headed by incumbent Mayor Evelio “Bing”Leonardia, also completed filing their COCs.

Clad in red shirts, the GP candidates, aside from reelectionist Mayor Leonardia and Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, are reelectionist councilors Cindy Rojas, Carlos Jose Lopez, Dindo Ramos, Renecito Novero, Israel Salanga, and Archie Baribar.

Also former councilor Em Ang, Dr. Chris Sorongon, former Barangay 18 Captain Jonathan Diaz, former Ceneco president Eddie Guillem, broadcaster Marlon Solidum, and Cash Montalvo, daughter of former Mayor Jose Montalvo.

INDEPENDENTS

Independent candidates for various positions will reportedly hold a press conference today, October 7 at the Negros Press Club at 10 a.m.* (Photos grabbed from ABB and GP FB pages)