BACOLOD City – Ten days before the assumption of office of the newly elected mayor, the current city administration is set to formally turn over responsibilities to the incoming leadership today, June 20, at 3 p.m. at the City Mayor’s Office, Bacolod City Government Center.
Christian Nagaynay, director of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Bacolod, confirmed the turnover, which he will lead, marking the transition between outgoing Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez and incoming Mayor Greg Gasataya.
Benitez designated City Legal Officer Atty. Joseph Karol Chiu to head his transition team, while Atty. Mark Mayo will represent the side of incumbent Congressman Gasataya, who is returning to city hall as mayor.
Given that both Benitez and Gasataya are political allies, a smooth and orderly transition is expected under the guidance of the DILG.
In the recent local elections, the Benitez-Gasataya alliance campaigned under a “16-0” slate — comprising the mayor, vice mayor, 12 city councilors, and Abang Lingkod Party-list. The final results yielded a “15-1” outcome after incumbent Councilor Vladimir Gonzales lost his re-election bid.
The lone councilor from the opposing group who won was Councilor-elect Wilson Gamboa Jr., who was part of the slate led by defeated Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran.
To facilitate the transition, Mayor Benitez earlier issued Executive Order No. 09 on May 9, creating a Local Governance Transition Committee. This follows DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2025-016, which outlines procedures for ensuring an effective and organized transition in local government units (LGUs).
According to the DILG, the transition committee ensures the orderly transfer of responsibilities and the continuity of services after elections. The agency also urged LGUs to establish their Local Governance Transition Teams (LGTT) at least two months before the end of the current administration’s term to allow ample preparation time.
Mayor Benitez said he convened all department heads after the elections to prepare and submit reports detailing completed and ongoing programs and projects during his term.
He also reiterated that their campaign pushed for a “16-0” win to ensure continuity in city governance.
“It was very clear during our campaign that we stood on a platform of continuity. That will prevail,” Benitez said. “Everything we started will continue, be enhanced, and upgraded by the next administration.”
He added that even with a majority in the city council, governance would not be dictated solely by the mayor.
“This will not be a rubber stamp council,” he assured Bacolodnons./PN
