Negros Occidental Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday said Rep. Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) should not only think twice, but many times, about whether to run for the Senate in 2016 as it will not be easy to win the race.

President Benigno Aquino III is said to have offered Benitez a slot in the Liberal Party senatorial slate for 2016.

Benitez is the LP chairman for Negros Occidental.

“He should think many times before he makes that decision, after all he still has one more term as congressman of the third district. For sure he will win a third and last term,” Lacson said.

The province can benefit with Benitez as a senator, but it will not be an easy race, he said.

As to his third cousins eyeing the third congressional seat Benitez would vacate should he decide to run for the Senate, Lacson said, he is warning them that if they run against each other, there is a great possibility that a third party will win.

Murcia Mayor Andrew Lacson Montelibano and EB Magalona Mayor David Lacson have expressed interest in the post.

Montelibano also revealed that they are considering fielding another cousin, Board Member Patrick Leonard Lacson, for mayor of EB Magalona in the 2016 elections. The name of the wife of Mayor Lacson, Risa, is also being floated as a possible candidate for the town mayoral position.

The vice governor said he believes the Love Negros party will support the mayoral bid of the board member.

As to whether the vice governor will run for congressman of the first district of Negros Occidental, with Rep. Julio Ledesma IV on his third and last term, he said nothing has been decided and discussion on the matter could take place next year yet.

The vice governor is also rumored to be eyeing the gubernatorial seat in 2016.*CPG

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