FORMER Third District Representative and Provincial Consultant for Trade and Investment Promotions Alfredo "Albee" Benitez officially declared he is running for mayor of Bacolod City in the coming May 9, 2022 elections.
He is challenging incumbent Mayor Evelio Leonardia, who is seeking reelection for his third and last term.
"I have seen enough, I have heard enough. The clamor of the people of Bacolod City for change is undeniable. I am officially declaring that I will run for mayor of Bacolod City in 2022," Benitez said during a press conference at Manokan Country after he attended the hearing held at Commission on Elections (Comelec)-Bacolod relative to the opposition filed against his transfer of voting registration from Victorias City to Bacolod City.
Benitez clarified that he has nothing personal against Leonardia and that he is not angry with the mayor.
"This is not that I want to be mayor to be popular. This is about the clamor of the people," he added.
"This is like a situation where you see a person drowning of corruption. I cannot turn my back because I know I can save that person from drowning," Benitez said.
He also bared that his focus is to bring change and better governance, save the city from corruption, and put the city to greater heights because Bacolod City has been left behind compared to its neighboring highly urbanized cities.
"We should give Bacolod voters a chance to freely make their choice for their future," Benitez said.
As to his possible line-up, Benitez said: "For now, I have decided for myself and after a couple of weeks I will reveal my line-up."
About the hearing Monday, July 19, Comelec-Bacolod did not allow the public to enter its premises during the hearing including members of the media.
Benitez said they presented enough evidence that he is a resident of Bacolod City.
“After 201,9 I did not run for any position. I have been a provincial consultant with an office in Bacolod City. I have started then my journey in Bacolod City,” he added.
He also said that such opposition and petitions are already expected.
"It is a move that they do not want me reach the election," Benitez said.