Ex-Bacolod mayor Leonardia seeks congressional post

Former Bacolod City mayor Evelio "Bing" Leonardia filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) on Tuesday, October 1, to run for representative of the city's Lone District in the May 2025 midterm elections.

Leonardia, who has had a long political career, is now 72 years old and cited his age and the tedious duties of a local chief executive as reasons for seeking the congressional post.

Approximately 3,000 supporters accompanied him to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office.

He is running under the Nacionalista Party and filed his COC without a slate.

Incumbent congressman Greg Gasataya cannot seek reelection due to term limits.

Meanwhile, lawyer Caesar Distrito, spokesperson for Mayor Albee Benitez, stated that Benitez is 90 percent sure he is inclined to run for congressman and his Asenso Bacolod Team will file their COCs on October 7 with a complete slate.

Leonardia, who lost to Benitez for mayor in the last elections, said "only time will tell" when asked about his chances of winning against Benitez.