Victorias City vice mayor, 9 councilors resign from Pdp-laban

THE VICE mayor and the nine city councilors of Victorias City, Negros Occidental, have submitted their irrevocable resignation as members of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-lakas ng Bayan (Pdp-laban) effective immediately.

In a letter addressed to Palawan 2nd District Rep. Jose Alvarez, party president, through Astra Pimentel-naik, executive director and Jesus Hinlo, deputy secretary-general for Visayas, they lamented that Hinlo has decided, if needed, to field former Victorias City Mayor Francis Frederick “Wantan” Palanca as its gubernatorial candidate in Negros Occidental against incumbent Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson for the 2025 mid-term elections.

The letter, dated April 24, was signed by Vice Mayor Abelardo Bantug III and Councilors Derek Palanca, Deilen Hofileña,

Dino Jose Maria Acuña, Occidental under Hinlo has Danilo de Asis, Jr., Audie “overlooked the basic principle Malaga, Teresita Bartolome, that an organization Hermie Millan, should promote inclusivity Dexter Senido and Joji through consultation before Larraga. decision, not the other way

“We note that such decision around.” was made without “More importantly, we consultation with the could not agree more with undersigned Pdp-laban the statement of our Local members and incumbent Chief Executive, Mayor officials of Victorias City, Javier Miguel Benitez, that Negros Occidental,” the “the governance style and officials said. decisions during former

They added that it appears Mayor Palanca’s administration that the leadership do not reflect the of Pdp-laban in Negros current and future direction

nd of Victorias City. It has our complete and full support,” they said.

“Finally, this decision of the Pdp-laban no longer aligns, and is therefore inconsistent, with the principles upon which we wish to govern and serve as public servants to our constituents. Thus, in view of these recent developments, we, City Vice Mayor and Councilors of Victorias City, hereby tender our irrevocable resignation from PDP,” they also said.

Hinlo said they are considering Palanca to run as governor against Lacson.

Palanca has yet to issue a statement about the matter.

His son, Councilor Derek Palanca, is among the Victorias City officials who resigned from Pdp-laban.

Hinlo, on the other hand, said Palanca has not yet accepted his offer, including Toboso Councilor Richard Jaojoco who was earlier reported to be Pdp-laban’s candidate for vice governor.*