MAYOR-ELECT. Former Negros Occidental third district Rep. Alfredo Benitez (center) gets mobbed by supporters outside the Bacolod City Government Center after he was proclaimed the new city mayor on Tuesday (May 10, 2022). Benitez, who campaigned on a platform of change, defeated long-time mayor Evelio Leonardia.(Photo courtesy of Archie Rey Alipalo) BACOLOD CITY - With a lead of almost 65,000 votes, former Negros Occidental third district congressman Alfredo Benitez defeated incumbent mayor Evelio Leonardia during the May 9 polls to introduce a new administration in this city starting June 30. In a stunning upset that ended Leonardia's long-time dominance as city mayor, Benitez, who campaigned on a platform of change under the Asenso Bacolod banner, obtained 171,893 votes compared to the Grupo Progreso standard bearer's 107,447 votes. "This is a win for the people of Bacolod. The change that we're looking for is what I intend to bring," Benitez told reporters afte