BACOLOD City – The Negros Occidental chairman of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, announced that he and over a hundred party members are planning to resign from the political party.
The announcement was made during a media interview at the Bacolod City Government Center on May 9.
Benitez, who has yet to disclose which party they will join, said the decision stemmed from a misalignment with the national direction of PDP-Laban.
“Whether it’s a new, old, or no party at all, we need to find where we truly align,” he said.
Last month, several key members from Victorias City, including Vice Mayor Abelardo Bantug III and 10 councilors, submitted their irrevocable resignations from the party.
Their departure was formalized through a letter to the PDP-Laban President, Rep. Jose Alvarez of Palawan’s Second District, citing concerns over the party’s decision to potentially field former mayor Wantan Palanca as gubernatorial candidate against incumbent Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson for the 2025 elections.
The issue of party leadership structure was also highlighted by Atty. Jayvee Hinlo, Deputy Secretary General for Visayas, who clarified, “As far as I know, there is no chairman position in the provincial, city, or municipal PDP councils.”
Hinlo was sworn in as the Provincial Council President of PDP Negros Occidental on April 19./PN
