• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
After occupying the position for two terms or almost six years, Jose Francisco Benitez, now the director general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), has officially signed off as congressman of the Negros Occidental third district.
He is succeeded by his nephew, Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, who won the elective post during the May 12 elections.
Benitez hosted a thanksgiving activity on Saturday at Nature’s Village Resort in Talisay City, where he also handed over the reins to the neophyte lawmaker.
In a Facebook post, Benitez urged support for the incoming congressman, who will represent the cities of Silay, Talisay and Victorias as well as the municipalities of E.B. Magalona and Murcia.
The elder Benitez served as congressman from 2019 to 2024 before he was appointed as a member of the Cabinet of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in August last year.
Abang Lingkod partylist Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano was then designated by Speaker Martin Romualdez as the district caretaker.
“Let us stand behind Javi. Let’s make sure the progress we’ve started in Metro 3rd continues, and that the legacy of our shared work lives on,” the TESDA chief said.
In his response, the younger Benitez said he is grateful for the leadership of his uncle.
“Your trust, your example, and your quiet strength continue to guide us,” he said, as he accepted the responsibility “with deep humility and a firm commitment to carry forward the progress began” by his uncle.
“The work you’ve done across Metro Third and the entire district has built a strong foundation. Smart Asenso that uplifted not only structures, but lives. As we usher in the next chapter with Asenso+, know that your legacy lives on,” he added. | GB
