Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District), head of the Liberal Party in Negros Occidental, yesterday told LP district leaders that their party is endorsing the candidacy of Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez Jr. for governor and former San Carlos Mayor Eugenio Jose Lacson for vice governor, two of those who were present at the meeting said.

Manuel Yap, LP First District chairman, and another LP official at the meeting who asked not to be identified, said Benitez made the announcement at a gathering over lunch also attended by Alvarez and Kabankalan Mayor Isidro Zayco, Nationalist People’s Coalition Negros Occidental chairman.

When asked for confirmation by the DAILY STAR last night, Benitez would only say that he will make an announcement at the proper time.

A source said he was meeting with the third district mayors last night, some of whom had earlier announced that they will support the reelection bid of Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr.

Also at the luncheon meeting yesterday were LP leaders Victor Puey of the second district, Reynaldo Depasucat of the third district, Rene Silos of the fifth district, and Andres Hagad of Bacolod.

Some mayors of the first district were also present.

A source at the meeting said Benitez pointed out that the LP and NPC already have a coalition on the national level.

It was not known if Zayco and Benitez had discussed how the coalition will work in the towns and cities of Negros Occidental.*CPG

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