NEGROS Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson will stay neutral in areas declared as “free zones” or “zona libre” in light of the coming May 9, 2022 elections.
Lacson, who filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) at the Provincial Capitol’s Social Hall in Bacolod City Friday, October 1, said the coalition of Love Negros and United Negros Alliance (Unega) tried its best to make them understand “to agree among themselves, but we did not succeed in some areas, especially in the Fifth District.”
“We will allow them to run in their respective positions with the promise that whoever comes out the winner will be respected and we will continue to work with them,” Lacson said.
“Most likely, I and the vice governor will stay neutral in areas where there is a battle, ” he added.
Among the areas in Negros Occidental declared as “free zones” are Isabela, Himamaylan City and Toboso.
The governor admitted that his partnership with Ferrer is gaining widespread support from mayors all over the province.
“I would like to thank [them], the support is overwhelming. In fact, the latest is in Don Salvador Benedicto (DSB), a model local government unit (LGU),” Lacson said, adding that there is now a coalition in DSB like that in the province.
“It is a model that other LGUs should follow in future elections,” he said.
During the COC filing, Lacson was accompanied by First District Representative Gerardo Valmayor, San Carlos City Mayor Renato Gustilo, Escalante City Mayor Melecio Yap and Calatrava Mayor Marilyn Era and other local officials.
Meanwhile, Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, who also filed his COC for reelection with his wife Fourth District Representative Juliet Marie Ferrer Friday, said there are areas that they have tried to unite since 2019.
“There is a continuous healing process. So there are areas that we can’t stop the local rivalry,” Ferrer said.
He added that “we hope and pray that in the next elections we can be united as one in Negros Occidental.”
Ferrer said whoever was given the Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance or Cona will be supported.
“I respect the position of the governor,” he added.
Lacson is under Love Negros while Ferrer is part of Unega.
For Unega, the group will also support its candidates, Ferrer said.
