• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez has again laughed off persistent reports that he is running for governor of Negros Occidental in the 2025 elections.
A neophyte in politics, Benitez said he is wondering where the source of information originates from.
Benitez, son of Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and nephew of Third District Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez, yesterday said he is just doing his job as president of Negros ACE (Association of Chief Executives), when visiting the different cities and municipalities of Negros Occidental.
“Maybe, they see me as a potential candidate,” the younger Benitez said, citing what he has been doing to Victorias City in 10 months under his leadership.
If that is the case, I truly appreciate that, he said, stressing that he has been working tirelessly for the better future of Victorias City.
Mayor Javi further said “I really don’t know why people seeing this as negative, or people take it differently.”
“I’m not offending anyone. I’m not hurting anyone. I am just doing my job,” the mayor stressed.
His father, Mayor Albee Benitez, had earlier debunked reports that his son will be running for governor in 2025 elections.
Mayor Albee and incumbent Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, who is now serving his second term as the province chief executive, are both members of local political group Love Negros.
The former recently hosted a get together party among Love Negros members, which was attended by the latter, who also doused speculations of an alleged rift among members of their political group.
“I think, maybe there are some people who want to create a controversy,” Lacson said.*
