THE United Negros Alliance has its choice for vice governor, Governor Eugenio Jose "Bong" Lacson stressed Thursday, March 30.
He made the reaction amid reports that Cadiz City Mayor and Unega Secretary General Salvador Escalante Jr. is being groomed to be his running mate in the 2025 elections.
"As of now until the next term, Unega has the choice for vice governor," he said.
Lacson, meanwhile, said that the support given by coalition partner Unega to his administration inspires him.
"That is where I take my inspiration now, especially for the Unega-led local government units that feel that the provincial government is present in their areas," Lacson said.
He said, "We did not play favorites because we have had a coalition since Day 1. We try to serve everyone regardless of party affiliation."
The governor made the reaction after Escalante said that Unega supports Lacson and that their coalition with Love Negros remained strong.
In a related development, Lacson said that he has not talked with Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Benitez.
This comes after Benitez earlier shot down speculation that his son, Victorias City Mayor Javi Benitez, would run against Lacson for the province's top post.
'"There's no such thing," the elder Benitez said, adding, "I'm supporting the governor and the political coalition in Negros province."
"Gov. Bong is a very, very good friend and ally," Benitez pointed out.*