FORMER Negros Occidental Third District congressman and now provincial consultant Alfredo Abelardo "Albee" Benitez will file his certificate of candidacy (COC) Tuesday, October 5.
He is running for mayor of Bacolod City in the May 9, 2022 elections, challenging incumbent mayor Evelio Leonardia.
Benitez, who accompanied his younger brother reelectionist Third District Representative Jose Francisco "Kiko" Benitez in filing his COC at the Provincial Capitol where Comelec-Negros Occidental temporarily holds office Monday, October 4, said that he will file his COC with his complete slate, from vice mayor down to councilors.
Benitez said he will present his entire slate after filing their COCs.
Over the weekend, former councilor Caesar Distrito announced that he will be Benitez's vice mayoralty bet and that he is bringing with him in Benitez's ticket incumbent councilors Al Victor Espino, he mother Simplicia Distrito, Bart Orola and the late Councilor Elmer Sy's daughter Pao Sy.
All of them had bolted from Grupo Progreso (GP) headed by Leonardia, who is reported to file their COCs on Wednesday, October 6.
Benitez, meanwhile, said he will not field a candidate against Bacolod Lone District Representative Greg Gasataya who earlier declared himself as neutral for the coming polls.
The former lawmaker also said he already has a choice whom to support for vice president but did not mention the name.
Among the presidentiables, meanwhile, he is still undecided.
Moreover, Third District Mayors Marvin Malacon of E.B. Magalona, Gerry Rojas of Murcia and Francis Frederick Palanca of Victorias, Abang Lingkod Party-list Representative Stephen Paduano also accompanied Benitez [Kiko] in filing his CO to show their support to him.
Actor Javier Miguel "Javi" Benitez, son of Albee, also accompanied his uncle.
"Tani ibalik lang sang taga Third District ang akon pagpalangga sa ila. Tani supportahan man nila ako sa paabuton nga election," Benitez [Kiko] said.
Aside from Benitez, another aspirant for Board Member in the Fifth District, Anthony Dennis Occeño, also filed his COC at the Comelec Provincial Office Monday morning, October 4.