• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The guessing game is now over, as Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez accepted yesterday the call for him to run as congressman of the 3rd district of Negros Occidental, following the footsteps of his father, Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and uncle, Jose Francisco Benitez.
In the presence of his family members, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, mayors, and local officials, and about 8,000 supporters at the Victorias City Coliseum, Benitez declared “I am running for congressman of the Third District of Negros Occidental this 2025 mid-term elections.”
Nikki Benitez was also present to support the political plans of her son.
Following the designation of Jose Francisco Benitez as the TESDA director general, Abang Lingkod Partylist Rep.Stephen Joseph Paduano presently serves as the caretaker of the 3rd district, until the 2025 elections.
“Padayon ang Serbisyong Asenso, must be the banner of our forward motion toward a better future,” Mayor Javi said as he vowed to continue what his father and uncle did in the 3rd district, and the legacy they left behind in public service, which is performance.
How can one public servant like me inspired by such leadership, say no to that legacy? he asked.
Based on their family tree, Mayor Javi said he is the seventh generation of their family in public service, both in Victorias City and 3rd District.
In answer to a question why there is a need for another Benitez in the 3rd district, he answered “Bangud ang pagsanyog padayon, kag wala naga-pondo ang pag-asenso. (so the improvement will continue and the progress will not stop).”
To me, this is more than just a legacy, this is also the future I will be a part of. This is also my future, as a public servant or an ordinary citizen, he stressed.
I am ready to continue the legacy. I am prepared to forge ahead, Mayor Javi said.
While the beautiful legacy must continue, it is also the time to take the lead by marching towards the digital future where tomorrow’s technology commands the order of the day, he further said.
Just one leader cannot build a better society we hope for the future, it must be founded on the shoulders of many willing to follow the one who leads voluntarily, he stressed.
During a press briefing, the younger Benitez announced that he will be succeeded by Vice Mayor Abelardo ‘JunB” Bantug as mayor of Victorias City, who will soon announce his entire slate, from vice mayor to councilor.
He also said that he will support the candidates who are endorsed by the outgoing mayors in the district, especially in E.B. Magalona and Talisay City, as well as in Murcia.
As to the case of Silay City, Mayor Javi said whoever is endorsed by former Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez, currently the TESDA secretary, will also get his support.
Former Mayor Mark Golez who attended the PADAYON: Benitez Legacy activity at the Victorias City Coliseum, is challenging incumbent Mayor Joedith Gallego in the Silay City mayoralty race next year.
Both are members of the Partido Federal ng Pilipino, also the party of the Benitez clan.*
