IS FORMER Councilor Caesar Distrito bolting out from Grupo Progreso (GP)?
The question arose following Distrito’s revelation Wednesday, September 29, 2021, that former Third District Congressman Alfredo “Albee” Benitez, who has earlier announced his intention to run for mayor in Bacolod City, asked him to run as his vice mayor.
“I am seriously thinking about it, (but) I will consult my political leaders and supporters especially in Barangay Singcang-Airport and Sitio Magsungay,” Distrito said, adding that he will also pray and seek divine guidance as to what decision to make.
Distrito said if his family, especially Councilor Simple Distrito and his brother Singcang Airport Captain Rosinie Distrito, would say so, then he would accept Benitez’s offer.
The former councilman said he will also seek the advice of his personal friend and colleague Bacolod Congressman Greg Gasataya on what to do.
During his meeting with Benitez, Distrito said the former lawmaker presented his programs that focused on health care for all Bacolodnons including establishing a city hospital, solving the housing backlog, infrastructure and road network improvements.
He added that Benitez also presented his plans for the complete renovation of three major markets, the solution to the perennial flooding of city streets, to create business and job opportunities like industrial zones, among others.
Having been a lawyer by profession and a professor at graduate school, political and criminal law in various universities in Bacolod City, if ever he decided to run, he is for sure prepared for the job, Distrito said.
Distrito stressed that he is not new in legislative works after serving as councilor of Bacolod for nine years, wherein he was chosen twice as floor leader and chaired major committees such as budget and finance and laws and ordinances.
He said he had a series of long talks with Leonardia and informed him that he is being invited by Benitez.
“I have no negative words or bad relations with him (Leoanrdia) (and) what I have is purely appreciation and thanks for allowing me to be part of his lineup when I ran in 2010, 2013 and 2016 elections,” Distrito said.
Ill feelings?
Distrito told SunStar Bacolod that he has no ill feelings against GP, although he admitted that they have few conflicts regarding some issues, which he refused to elaborate.
If ever he will accept the offer of Benitez, Distrito said he is going to take the campaign into another by ignoring the bashers and trolls.
When asked if he is ready to accept the fact that once he decided to run as vice mayor of Benitez his political relationship with the GP will be severed, Distrito replied, “it’s part of the consequence.”
“I can maintain personal relationship (with them) without animosity,” Distrito said.