• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Bacolod Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and his son, Negros Occidental Third District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez, yesterday pushed for transparency and accountability in the House of Representatives, while saying they respect the stand of their colleagues, who have recently issued a manifesto of support to Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Bacolod Rep. Albee Benitez made it clear that he is independent.
“I did not support Speaker Romualdez for the speakership, and I maintain that position,” said the elder Benitez in a statement.
“To continue expressing support for him now, would only be seen as condoning and protecting him, when in fact serious issues remain unresolved, among them the controversy on alleged ghost flood control projects, questionable budget insertions, and the lack of transparency in the budget process, which all point to the leadership of the Speaker,” he pointed out.
He also said he understands why some of my fellow NIR congressmen signed the manifesto.
They are simply trying to ensure that their districts will not suffer, and I respect that. But as for me, I have chosen to stand by my independent stance, because my priority is to uphold integrity and accountability in Congress, Benitez added.
While he did not sign the manifesto, Rep. Javi Benitez pointed out that he is still part of the majority, stressing that he has not resigned.
He also clarified that his father has not issued any statement saying that he will be vying for the Speakership.
So it seems that it’s more of a threat, than reality, the younger Benitez said.
He also acknowledged that politics is at play among parties. “If you look at history, even if many sign manifestos of support, shifts happen when the wind changes, or when there is what some call a ‘blessing from above.’ For now, we leave it at that,” the younger Benitez added.
In a statement of manifesto signed by majority of 11 Negros Island Region solons, they stood firmly behind Speaker Romualdez.
We are convinced that Speaker Romualdez provides the stability and leadership needed to transform the law creating NIR into real benefits for our people – better infrastructure, stronger local governance, and opportunities that reach every community in our islands, it stated.
Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo, who was among the signatories of manifesto, said he supports Speaker Romualdez because of his support to the 5th district of Negros Occidental, including during the Kanlaon Volcano disaster, flood victims, and relocation sites in La Castellana.
The younger Benitez, a neophyte legislator, stressed that the House must confront allegations of corruption.
“Transparency and accountability are what people are demanding. The revelations in Senate and House hearings may not yet show the complete picture, so investigations must continue. But people are growing impatient, and they are waiting to see justice,” he pointed out.
The neophyte solon admitted that he and other first-term lawmakers feel that they are being dragged with the reputation of the 20th Congress.
“We are only two months in, but already the public perception is tainted. We came from local government service, where we focused on development, and that is what we want to continue here. The Philippines is for the Filipino people, so we must prioritize accountability and development over politics,” Rep. Javi Benitez further said.*
