The filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) for the 2025 mid-term election begins today across the country. In Bacolod and the province of Negros Occidental, preparations are in place to accommodate candidates on the first day of COC filing.
In Bacolod, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has chosen the former Liga ng mga Barangay hall along San Juan St as the venue for COC filing, instead of its office behind the Bacolod Arts and Youth Center. Meanwhile, COMELEC Negros has arranged a space inside the provincial Capitol building.
Former Mayor Evelio Leonardia is one of the expected early filers today in Bacolod. He will be filing his COC alone after attending a mass at the Bacolod San Sebastian Cathedral. Leonardia has confirmed on a Facebook post that he is eyeing a seat in Congress.
Many are monitoring Leonardia’s anticipated comeback in politics as it is expected to lead to a rematch between him and the incumbent Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez. Benitez, who ended Leonardia’s career as mayor of Bacolod in the last election, is rumored to also run as congressman to pave the way for Congressman Greg Gasataya to run for the mayoralty seat. However, both Gasataya and Benitez have not confirmed their 2025 plans yet.
But Mayor’s spokesman, lawyer Caesar Distrito, said Monday night, September 30, that Benitez is 90% certain to run for Congress. This fafter his exclusion from the list of potential replacements for Secretary Benhur Abalos at the Department of Interior and Local Government. Abalos is set to run for a Senate seat
Asenso Bacolod, the local political party of Benitez, has not yet announced their political line-up following a controversy that occurred during the voting of family leaders in Bacolod for the vacant slots for city councilor. Most of the incumbent councilors under Leonardia’s Grupo Progreso are expected to run under Asenso. This would include councilors Em Ang, Renecito Novero, Cindy Roxas, and Israel Salanga. The four, along with Gasataya, started their political careers in Bacolod upon the invitation of Leonardia.
Meanwhile, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, who is also on his last term as vice mayor of Bacolod, stated that he promised Benitez not to run against him should he seek another office. Familiaran is rumored to be the first nominee of Abang Lingkod after Congressman Stephen Paduano completes his term.
