BACOLOD CITY – This highly urbanized city will usher in a new administration, with outgoing Lone District Representative Greg Gasataya set to take over the mayor’s seat on June 30.
Gasataya, a congressman for three terms, is among the Team Asenso candidates dominating the midterm elections here elections.
He will succeed Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, a first-time local chief executive who was elected congressman, also in his inaugural bid.
Councilor Claudio Jesus Puentevella won against City Council colleague Renecito Novero in the race for vice mayor.
The City Board of Canvassers, led by Election Officer Revo Sorbito, proclaimed the winners at the Bacolod City Government Center early Tuesday morning.
Gasataya, who defeated outgoing Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, thanked the people of Bacolod for the trust and decision to let them lead the city.
“The process was long and hard. This is the fruit of our hard work for so many years,” he told reporters.
Benitez said he is “deeply humbled” by the trust of the people of Bacolod.
“From City Hall to Congress, I carry with me the same commitment to uplift lives, push for meaningful reforms, and fight for what Bacolod deserves,” he said in a statement.
For the second time, Benitez defeated veteran politician Evelio Leonardia, whom he unseated as mayor in 2022.
Team Asenso candidates also dominated the City Council, winning 11 out of the 12 seats.
Returning councilor Caesar Distrito topped the race, followed by reelectionists Israel Salanga, Em Ang, Jude Thaddeus Sayson, Jason Villarosa, and Celia Matea Flor.
Others include returning councilors Bobby Rojas, Wilson Gamboa Jr., and Dindo Ramos, incumbents Psyche Marie and Al Victor Espino, and comebacking Homer Bais.
Gamboa, who previously served as councilor for three terms, belongs to Team El Cid.
In a statement, Familiaran conceded around midnight and congratulated Gasataya on his victory.
“Democracy is bigger than any elections. Therefore, I urge my team and supporters to respect the will of the people and work toward a better Bacolod with the newly elected officials. I wish the incoming administration all the best,” he added.
As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, results from the Commission on Elections media server showed Benitez garnered 161,469 votes compared to Leonardia’s 117,678 votes.
Gasataya garnered 154,551 votes while Familiaran got 141,212 votes.
Puentevella obtained 144,280 votes as against Novero’s 131,700 votes. (Nanette Guadalquiver via pna via tvds)