“LET us concentrate on coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic first and let’s set aside politics.”
This was the message of Bacolod City Councilor Renecito Novero, a political ally of Mayor Evelio Leonardia of Grupo Progreso, after former Third District representative Alfredo Benitez transferred his voting registration in Bacolod City on Thursday, April 22, 2021.
Speculations are now circulating in the city that Benitez would be challenging the incumbent mayor.
“We don’t know their political purpose and it’s also his right. Let’s work first like what Mayor Leonardia earlier said to focus on Covid-19 pandemic,” Novero said.
He said the election will still be in 2022, so they need to concentrate on their work first for the people of Bacolod.
Leonardia earlier said now is too early for politics and that he focuses his time and efforts on the Covid-19 pandemic and does not want it disturbed.
Leonardia, who has built his strong political empire, will be vying for his last term in the city.
His political party, Grupo Progreso, won 14-1 in the 2019 elections as they only lost a slate in the City Council.
Some netizens posted on social media that Benitez is planning to run as mayor in Bacolod, but there is no confirmation yet from the part of Benitez.