A PHOTO circulating in social media site Facebook has bolstered speculations that Negros Occidental Third District Representative Alfredo Benitez will run for governor in the 2019 elections.

The photo showed Benitez’s hands were raised by some officials of the Third District.

When asked for confirmation, Benitez said there is no decision yet for 2019.

He quipped that it could be governor for the Rotary Club.

Benitez earlier said that one of his options in 2019 is to take a rest when his term ends.

Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, when reached for a comment, said he doesn’t follow Facebook so he has no idea about the posts.

When asked if it would change his political decision, he reiterated that he has been consistent with his statement that he is just waiting for the decision of Benitez.

"I have also said before that there are members of Love Negros who are endorsing Congressman Benitez so it is nothing new. I think let us wait for Congressman Benitez. We all know him to be very formal, he will make that announcement in the proper forum,” Lacson said.

The vice governor further said he was with Benitez and that he did not mention anything.

"But if it is an endorsement from members of Love Negros then I expect that. Let us allow Benitez to officially make that announcement,” Lacson said.

Benitez and Lacson are officials of Love Negros.

The vice governor said they have not talked about the 2019 elections yet.

Mayors belonging to the Third District have been endorsing Benitez to run for governor in the 2019 elections.

Benitez has been included in the senatorial line-up of the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) for the 2019 elections.