Victorias Mayor endorsing Gov. Lacson for governor in 2025

Victorias City Mayor Javi Benitez, rumored for months to run for Negros Occidental governor, in a post on his Facebook account this evening, is endorsing Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson in the latter’s reelection bid in the 2025 elections.

“I stand for a united Negros Occidental and in full support of its current machinery that drives it to pioneer sustainable innovations and developments for all Negrosanons,” Mayor Benitez said.

Benitez said Lacson “had been a steadfast partner of the City of Victorias. He was with us when we launched our various digitalization projects and dignified human settlement initiatives.”

“His relentless support to Victorias and to the rest of the cities and municipalities in the Province of Negros Occidental is a testament to his unparalleled dedication and compassion for all Negrosanons,” he pointed out.

“I felt more of his passion for public service as the concurrent President of the Negros Association of Chief Executives. Governor Bong has been ever-present and supportive of our initiatives,” Benitez said, adding that the governor’s “resounding leadership empowered us to forge a formidable alliance between us, ACE members, in sharing our best practices, offering assistance, and solidifying the camaraderie among the different localities in the Province.”

“Undeniably, Governor Bong has already led numerous milestones but there is still a lot more he can do for the Province of Negros Occidental,” he said.

Rumors as early as last year has pointed to the first term mayor and son of Bacolod Mayor Albee Benitez as a contender to challenge Lacson in the 2025 polls.

Lacson, who announced his intention to seek reelection in 2025, will be gunning for a last term.* (Eugene Y. Adiong)