BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines – Lone District solon Greg G. Gasataya has announced his decision to run for re-election as a “neutral” candidate, citing the lives of people here as his “most important and sacred consideration.”
Gasataya, a long-time ally of the ruling Grupo Progreso party, said he will run as “neutral,” adding that “Mayor Bing Leonardia and Former Congressman Albee Benitez are my ‘Maninoys’ (godfathers) during my wedding; both are significant to my personal and political journey.”
Gasataya is seeking a third term as representative of the lone district here, running in the 2016 and 2019 polls as the congressional candidate of Grupo Progreso.
Below is the full text of his official statement:
I have decided.
The decision was difficult to make but it was made with the most important and sacred consideration in mind: the lives of the people of Bacolod City.
I will run as the official congressional candidate of the Nationalist People’s Coalition.
I am not taking sides. I will run as neutral.
Mayor Bing Leonardia and Former Congressman Albee Benitez are my “Maninoys” during my wedding. Both are significant to my personal and political journey.
My decision is ultimately premised on the realization of the Bacolod City General Hospital which will start construction next year in the midst of election season, in the midst of a pandemic.
We can all agree that we need a hospital in these most critical of times. Our healing greatly depends on it.
With that utmost consideration in my mind and in my heart, I want to ensure its smooth and successful implementation next year.
I am for the realization of our dream for Bacolod. I am for the realization of our BACOLOD CITY GENERAL HOSPITAL.