BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Movie actor Javier Miguel “Javi” Lopez Benitez, son of former Rep. Alfredo Benitez, yesterday filed his Certificate of Candidacy as an independent candidate, for the position as mayor of Victorias City, Negros Occidental.
Incumbent Victorias City Councilor Abelardo “JunB” Bantug III is the candidate for vice mayor of Benitez, who also filed his COC yesterday.
The seven incumbent councilors of Victorias City seeking re-election, who also filed their respective COCs were Virgie Adorio, Audie Malaga, Hermie Millan, Derek Palanca, Dexter Senido, Nity Sta. Ana, and Daylen Tornea.
The line-up of Metro 3rd Asenso Victoriahanons includes Dino Acuña, former chief administrator of Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca, Nonoy de Asis, and Barangay 15-A punong barangay Ulysis Tumimbang.
The younger Benitez disclosed that the identification of final composition of his line-up was determined through a party convention participated by leaders of the Asenso Victoriahanons held in blended mode in July.
The group of Javi Benitez has no affiliation with any national party, a press statement from his camp said.
“My father and my family understand my position on this, and we fully support each other”, Javi said.
Former Rep. Benitez is the chairman of the provincial PDP-Laban (Cusi Wing) in Negros Occidental.
“I will work hard to support our line-up. The main focus now is on the challenge and opportunity to serve Victoriahanons,” Javi said.*
