• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Bacolod Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez was elected on Wednesday as one of the new Deputy Speakers of the House of Representatives, before it adjourned sessions for its annual summer recess.
During its plenary session, the lower chamber approved the motion of Majority Floor Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos to appoint Benitez, Cebu Rep. Vincent Franco Frasco, and Pangasinan Rep. Maria Rachel Arenas, as three additional House deputy speakers.
House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, the presiding officer, carried the motion after hearing no objections from the plenary.
In a statement, Benitez said he is deeply honored and grateful to his colleagues in the House of Representatives, and to Speaker Bojie Dy, for the trust and confidence they have given to him through his election as Deputy Speaker.
“I accept this responsibility with humility and with a strong commitment to serve the Filipino people with integrity, diligence, and unity,” he further said.
He also thanked the leadership of the House and his fellow members of the Visayan Bloc for their support and solidarity.
“At this important time for our nation, I look forward to working closely with Speaker Dy and my fellow legislators in building a stronger, more responsive, and more compassionate government,” he added.
Benitez is the convenor of the Visayan Bloc, whose members earlier declared their full support to Speaker Dy.
Negros Occidental 3rd district Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez, the son of Rep. Albee Benitez, also chairs the House Special Committee on Creative Industries.*
