Bacolod City, Negros Occidental— Former Councilor, lawyer Caesar Distrito, confirmed today, September 29, that he was invited by businessman Albee Benitez to be his running mate for the 2022 local elections.
Distrito said Benitez has presented his programs to him that focus on Health Care for ALL Bacolodnons including establishing a city hospital, solving the housing backlog, infrastructure & road network improvements, the complete renovation of the 3 major public markets, the solution to the perennial flooding of city streets, to create business & job opportunities like industrial zones, among others.
In a lengthy post on Facebook, Distrito who recently recovered from COVID-19 said that he is seriously thinking the invitation from the camp of Benitez.
Being a lawyer by profession and a Professor in Graduate School, Political & Criminal Law in various universities in the city, Distrito said that if ever he will decide to run, he is for sure prepared for the job. He will be running against GP’s presumptive vice mayoral candidate, incumbent Vice Mayor Elcid Familiaran.
According to Distrito hi is not new in legislative works, being in the Sanggunian for 9 years after being elected for 3 consecutive terms as member of the city council. During his stint, he was also chosen twice as Floor Leader and chaired major committees such as Budget & Finance and Laws & Ordinances.
But the former councilor said that he will consult first with his political leaders and supporters especially in Brgy. Singcang-Airport and Magsungay, and will also pray and seek divine guidance as to what decision to take, whether to run as Vice Mayor or will just seek my 4th term as Councilor.
He added that he will also seek advice from his family particularly from her mother, Councilor Simple Distrito who is an ally of Mayor Evelio Leonardia’s Grupo Progreso.
He also said that he will also seek advice from Cong. Greg Gasataya, whom he considered as a personal friend. The incumbent congressman has distance himself with the group of Leonardia lately, missing almost all programs and activities of the mayor.
Distrito said Leonardia is also aware of his meeting with Benitez to run as Vice Mayor.
