BACOLOD City – Congressman-elect Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez, who is set to step down as the city’s mayor on June 30, has expressed his intent to expand the programs initiated during his administration by leveraging national government resources to benefit Bacolod City.
Benitez, who served a single term as city mayor, will switch roles with outgoing Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya, now mayor-elect, whose three consecutive terms in Congress conclude at the end of June.
As the leader of the Team Asenso political aggrupation in Negros Occidental, Benitez thanked Bacolodnons for the overwhelming support after his slate secured a sweeping 15-1 win in the May 12 national and local elections. The team had campaigned for a complete 16-0 victory, with only incumbent Councilor Vladimir Gonzales falling short.
“We would have to review kung ano ang message nga gusto ipalab-ot sang aton botante ngaa nga 15-1,” Benitez said. “Still, this validates the programs we have implemented, and we must continue these initiatives together with Team Asenso, particularly with Mayor-elect Gasataya.”
Gasataya, in turn, expressed gratitude for the election outcome, acknowledging both the support of voters and the criticisms he received during the campaign.
“There are still people who believe in our platform,” he said.
Meanwhile, defeated mayoral candidate and outgoing Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran conceded to Gasataya shortly after the results became clear.
In a Facebook post at midnight on May 12, Familiaran thanked Bacolodnons and congratulated Gasataya on his victory.
“To my supporters, I am deeply honored and humbled by the trust you have invested in me and Team El Cid,” he wrote.
He called on his team and supporters to respect the will of the people and work in unity with the newly elected officials for a better Bacolod./PN
