NEGROS Occidental Third District Representative Alfredo Benitez confirmed Monday, July 23, he has constant meetings with Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr.

There have been talks that Love Negros which he leads and the United Negros Alliance headed by the governor.

"We have been talking,” Benitez said.

He also confirmed that he and Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson were given the authority of the members of Love Negros to be their representative in the merger talks.

Benitez who also leads the Visayan Bloc remained mum when asked about his future political plans.

Meanwhile, Lacson has been the acting governor since yesterday until Friday, July 27.

Marañon is attending the United Nations Environment Summit in Thailand.