By EUGENE ADIONG
BACOLOD City — Vice Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson warned his third cousins in the 3rd District against engaging in a political battle among themselves in the 2016 national elections.
Mayors Andrew Montelibano of Murcia and David Albert Lacson of EB Magalona have expressed interest in running for congressman if the incumbent, Alfredo Benitez, decides to run for senator.
Anybody who is qualified to run can run, the vice governor said, but “if they (Andrew and David) run against each other, there is a possibility that a third party will win.”
“Maybe the district is already too small for the Lacsons,” said Eugenio Jose, also popularly called “Bong.”
David said he will seek the congressional post if Benitez won’t seek reelection — the solon may still run for one more term — while
Montelibano said he will do the same if Benitez “anoints” him to become his successor.
Vice Governor Lacson also advised Benitez, also known as “Albee,” to “think twice” — or more — before taking the supposed invitation of President Benigno Aquino III for him to join the Liberal Party’s senatorial slate.
“Albee has to think twice. It’s not easy for a [first-time candidate] to win the senatorial race,” Eugenio Jose said. “Maybe he should think not only twice [but] many times. … That’s my advice. He should think it [through].”
He also believes Benitez, his party-mate in Love Negros team, could win a bid for a third and last term as 3rd District congressman.
On the other hand, David and Montelibano’s first cousin, Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Patrick Lacson, intends to run for mayor of EB Magalona, but reports had it that David may field his wife, Risa, as his successor.
Eugenio Jose said Love Negros will support Patrick no matter his opponent.
David belongs to Love Negros’ rival party, United Negros Alliance.
As for his political plans, the vice governor said Love Negros will decide on that next year.
Reports have it that the party may field him as candidate for either congressman of 1st District, to succeed Cong. Julio Ledesma IV, who is on his last term, or governor.
“We have not discussed anything yet,” said the vice governor. “2015 is the time to talk about the 2016 elections.”/PN
