• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
After heated elections, particularly in Silay City, Negros Occidental, Representative-elect Javier Miguel Benitez yesterday said he will work with the concerned local government unit to go beyond politics.
Benitez, who supported the tandem of former Mayor Mark Golez and Councilor Ryan Gamboa during the May 12 elections, said he already congratulated Mayor Joedith Gallego for winning his second term as mayor of Silay City.
The election in Silay City was marred with violence, where two persons died and seven others were injured following a shooting incident on May 12.
In his conversation with Gallego, Benitez said they have agreed to help the victims, hold accountable those who spread fear, harassment, and violence during the elections.
No position is worth more than the safety and dignity of our people, he stressed.
While they were on opposite sides during the campaign period, Benitez said he and Gallego worked before, being members of the Negros Association of Chief Executives, where he served as the president.
We choose unity over division because Silay deserves no less, he stressed
Benitez, who had lunch with four elected Team Asenso Silay councilors, including Lyndon Bernardo, Romela Amoroso, Paolo Tiongco, and James Golez, said he is proud of their win, and excited to collaborate with them.
Together, we remain committed to our shared platform of better healthcare, quality education, and inclusive development, the solon said.
To those who believe in good governance and our ‘asenso movement,’ this is not the end, it is a new beginning. The district office will work with the local government to go beyond traditional politics and elevate public service for the betterment of Silaynons, Benitez further said.
On the other hand, Gallego reported that only three of the seven injured victims remain in the hospital.
One of the suspects, Arnie Benedicto, barangay chairman of Lantad in Silay City, who surrendered to authorities, and three others who remain at large, are now facing charges for two counts of murder, and multiple frustrated murder before the Silay City Prosecutor’s Office.*
