BACOLOD City – Three out of seven candidates for congressional seats in Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, are running unopposed in the May 13, 2019 midterm elections.
No one dared to challenge the three congressional candidates, based on the list of the Commission on Elections provincial office during the period of the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) from Oct. 11 to 17.
One of them is first-timer Jose Francisco Benitez, president of Philippine Women’s University, who is running for representative of the 3rd District.
Benitez, who filed his COC on Tuesday, said he will continue the unfinished programs of his brother, incumbent 3rd District representative and Love Negros head Alfredo Benitez, and will champion bills on education in Congress.
The 3rd District covers the cities of Talisay, Silay and Victorias and the municipalities of Murcia and E.B. Magalona.
Also running unopposed is Ma. Lourdes “Marilou” Arroyo-Lesaca – sister-in-law of House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo – who filed her COC for representative of the 5th District on Tuesday.
Arroyo-Lesaca, who served as Kasangga party-list representative from 2007 to 2010, has a certificate of nomination and acceptance from both Lakas-CMD and United Negros Alliance (UNEGA).
Her entry to the congressional race led to the withdrawal of previous aspirants from UNEGA and Love Negros, whose leaders have expressed support to her candidacy.
Arroyo-Lesaca said she believes there is an “unfinished business” in the district after her brother Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo passed away in the middle of his term as congressman in 2012.
The 5th District covers Himamaylan City, Hinigaran, Binalbagan, Isabela, La Castellana, and Moises Padilla.
In the 2nd district, incumbent Rep. Leo Rafael Cueva was the only one who filed COC for the congressional post.
Cueva is allied with the National Unity Party and UNEGA. He filed his COC also on Tuesday.
The 2nd district covers Sagay and Cadiz cities and Manapla town.
In the 1st District, incumbent Rep. Melecio Yap Jr. opted not to seek reelection, leaving the field wide open to San Carlos City mayor Gerardo Valmayor, Ernesto Librando and Romulo Guion.
Incumbent 4th District Rep. Juliet Marie Ferrer, who is seeking a second term, will be opposed by Ann Joan Lenling and Enrique Erobas.
In the 6th District, former vice governor Genaro Alvarez Jr. is aiming a return to Congress with Joaquin Bilbao as his opponent.
In the lone district of Bacolod City, Rep. Greg Gasataya’s reelection bid is challenged by former mayor Monico Puentevella, who previously served as congressman for three terms. (With PNA/PN)
