• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Talisay City Sangguniang Panlungsod yesterday and members of the local Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, have joined the bandwagon calling for Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez to seek the 3rd district congressional post in the 2025 midterm elections.
A resolution approved during its regular session on August 27 said that the leadership and skills, brilliant ideas, experiences, and commitment of Mayor Javi to public service par excellence, make him fitting to the position of the next congressman of the district.
Local government units in the District are wanting to have a congressman who can deliver the same brand of service that former Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez did, one that is engaging, relevant and responsive to the needs of its citizenry, understanding of their culture as a people, the resolution further said.
As president of the Negros Association of Chief Executives, Mayor Javi has brought about, designed and implemented initiatives that made a mark, not just in Negros Occidental and Region 6, but in the entire country, it added.
On the other hand, the local PFP said in a statement posted on Facebook, which was signed by incumbent Talisay City Councilor Gabriel Villacin and Atty. Bimbo Lavides, Emil Lopez Lizares, Zenia Astorga, Ging Mahandog, and Renel Garcia, that “Mayor Javi Benitez has demonstrated exemplary performance in his role as the Mayor of Victorias City.”
“His leadership has not only fostered growth and development but has also set a benchmark for integrity and public service. Through his hard work and dedication, he has implemented programs that have significantly improved the lives of his constituents, proving that he is more than capable of addressing the needs of the 3rd district,” the group said.
“We believe that Mayor Javi Benitez’s vision and commitment to sustainable development will serve as a driving force for progress in our district. His understanding of local issues, combined with his passion for service, positions him as the ideal representative to advocate for the aspirations of our communities,” they said.
The municipal officials of E.B. Magalona led by Mayor Marvin Malacon, Murcia Mayor Gerry Rojas, Silay Asenso Team led former Mayor Mark Golez, have joined siblings Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez, in endorsing the younger Benitez for the congressional post.
Admitting that it will be a tough decision for him, Mayor Javi said his decision will be known at the end of the month of September this year. The filing of Certificate of Candidacy for the elections to be held in May next year, is slated for October 1 to 8 this year.*
