BACOLOD City – It’s confirmed: former Negros Occidental 3rd District congressman Alfredo “Albee” Benitez is running for mayor of this city in the May 2022 elections.
“I have seen enough, I have heard enough. The clamor of the people is undeniable and this is why I’m officially announcing that I am running for mayor of Bacolod,” said Benitez.
He is clashing incumbent Mayor Evelio Leonardia.
‘CEDULA’
Meanwhile, Benitez confirmed he secured a cedula (community tax certificate) from Barangay Mandalagan.
He also confirmed paying P525 for it.
“They can check my income tax return because that is the basis of my cedula, kun indi sila magpati,” said Benitez. “Ever since sang pandemic, wala na kami nagakuha sang sweldo…tanan kami nga mga board of directors and officers sang kumpanya.”
VIOLATORS
On the other hand, about 30 residents of this city and a former provincial board member of Negros Occidental – supporters of Benitez – were apprehended yesterday at the Bacolod City Public Plaza for alleged violation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) health protocols.
Major Ramel Sarona, commander of Police Station 1, disclosed that they issued more than 20 citation tickets for violation of City Ordinance No. 926 which requires the mandatory use of facemask and face shield, and the observance of social distancing in all public places here.
Meanwhile, the city’s Task Force Disiplina issued to 12 individuals their tickets for the same violation.
Sarona said most of the violations were physical distancing and non-wearing of face shields.
According to Patrick Lacson, former Sangguniang Panlalawigan member, a citation ticket was issued to him as he was not wearing a face shield.
To note, early on Monday, several supporters of Benitez flocked to the public plaza to show their support in relation to the conduct of a Commission on Election-Bacolod election registration board (ERB) hearing. The opposition of the transfer of voter’s registration against Benitez was tackled.
Sarona said they were obliged to issue the citation tickets to the violators after their several warnings about following the health protocols.
Those caught violating the health protocols are fined P200 each if they are residents here, while P300 for those residing out of town, based on the city ordinance./PN
