• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Visayan Bloc has expressed its full support to Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III and for the leadership he has shown in guiding the House of Representatives, especially in the crafting of the national budget.
Led by its convenor, Bacolod City Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, the Visayan Bloc is composed of about 50 solons across the region.
The statement of support came after Deputy Speaker Ronaldo “Ronnie” Puno, who is the National Unity Party (NUP) chairman, hinted the possibility of moving to the minority, citing “lack of leadership” from Dy, noting that many congressmen feel abandoned due to budget woes.
Benitez said the General Appropriations Act (GAA) is the product of months of deliberation and consultation.
“Under the Speaker’s leadership, the House has pursued groundbreaking reforms that have ensured that it was passed in a manner that was transparent, fair, and responsive to the needs of the Filipino people,” he added.
Puno claimed that infrastructure and social protection funds for several districts have not been released while claiming funds were directed to other districts.
However, Benitez said that Dy has consistently encouraged members to raise concerns through dialogue within the institution.
“We share his belief that we are stronger as a chamber when we address issues constructively, while remaining focused on our mandate to serve our people, aside from prioritizing reforms intended to restore the public’s trust in the House,” he added.
Puno earlier said that the 41-member party is expected to discuss their potential shift during the Lenten break.
The NUP is the second biggest political party in the 300-plus strong House of Representatives, next only to the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats.
Among the NUP members in Negros Occidental are 2nd District Rep. Alfredo Marañon III and 4th District Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer.
Dy assured the House members that his door is open to dialogue, emphasizing that the strength of the institution relies on open communication and resolving concerns constructively.
Meanwhile, Benitez was also elected as one of the deputy speakers of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, March 18 just before it adjourned sessions for the annual summer recess.
During the plenary session, the lower chamber approved the motion of Majority Floor Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos to appoint Benitez, Cebu Fifth District Rep. Vincent Franco Frasco and Pangasinan 3rd District Rep. Maria Rachel Arenas as the three additional House deputy speakers.
House Speaker Dy, the presiding officer, carried the motion after hearing no objections from the plenary.
In a statement, Benitez said he is deeply honored and grateful for the trust and confidence given by his colleagues.
“I accept this responsibility with humility and with a strong commitment to serve the Filipino people with integrity, diligence, and unity. I thank the leadership of the House and my fellow members of the Visayan Bloc for their support and solidarity,” he added.
Benitez said he looks forward to working closely with the Speaker and his fellow legislators in building a stronger, more responsive, and more compassionate government. | GB
