BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) proclaimed Alfredo “Albee” Benitez as the winner in the city’s mayoralty race.
Benitez defeated incumbent Mayor Evelio Leonardia 171,893 to 107,447 votes.
Also proclaimed winner was reelectionist Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran who garnered 128,893 votes against Atty. Caesar Distrito’s 103,236 votes and Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr.’s 32,033 votes.
Benitez campaigned on a platform of change.
“This is a win for the people of Bacolod. The change that we’re looking for is what I intend to bring,” he said.
For congressman of the lone district of Bacolod, Greg Gasataya secured another term – this third consecutive and final term — with 185,470 votes against challenger Dan Atayde’s 80,591.
He and Benitez belonged to the Asenso Bacolold political team.
Also proclaimed winners in the city council race were Thaddy Sayson (134,635), Israel Salanga (123,237), Cindy Rojas (122,629), Em Ang (116,953), Al Espino (115,197), Vladi Gonzalez (113,145), Renecito Novero (113,046), Jason Villarosa (111,027), Kalaw Puentevella (108,950), Simple Distrito (107,030), Celia Flor (103,768), and Pao Sy (98,978).
The winners were formally proclaimed at the Sangguniang Panlungsod session hall at the Bacolod Government Center./PN
