• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A week after Representative Jose Francisco Benitez took his oath as Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) secretary before President Fedinand Marcos Jr., the House of Representatives, in its regular session Wednesday, approved the designation of Abang Lingkod party list Rep. Stephen Joseph Paduano as the caretaker of the 3rd district of Negros Occidental.
Benitez welcomed the designation of Paduano as the legislative 3rd district caretaker. At the same time, he also thanked Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe for their excellent choice and support.
“I have full confidence in the ability of Congressman Caraps in representing the best interest of the people of the 3rd district. I trust that he will diligently shepherd and monitor the implementation, progress and completion of projects and programs that I have started, ensuring that our shared vision for the district is fulfilled until the end of 19th Congress in June 2025,” Benitez said.
Paduano was recommended to serve as the 3rd district caretaker, by Benitez to Speaker Romualdez, until a new congressman is elected in the elections next year. Benitez earlier said he recommended Paduano since he came from the 3rd district of Negros Occidental.
Paduano is now on his last term as Abang Lingkod party list representative. He is presently in the House committee on Public Accounts.
Benitez said he wants Paduano to continue the programs and projects he has started in the 3rd district of Negros Occidental.*
