• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
After a heated polls, especially in Silay City, Negros Occidental, congressman-elect Javier Miguel Benitez said on Thursday (May 15) he will work with the concerned local government unit to go beyond politics.
Benitez, who supported the tandem of former Mayor Mark Golez and Councilor Ryan Gamboa during the May 12 elections, said he already congratulated Mayor Joedith Gallego for winning his second term as mayor of Silay City.
The election in Silay City was marred with violence, as two persons died and seven others were injured, following a shooting incident in the morning of Election Day.
In his conversation with Gallego, Benitez said they have agreed to help the victims, hold accountable those who spread fear, harassment, and violence during the election.
“No position is worth more than the safety and dignity of our people,” he added.
While they were on opposite sides during the campaign period, Benitez said he and Gallego have worked before, being members of the Negros Association of Chief Executives, where he served as the president.
“We choose unity over division because Silay deserves no less,” he said.
Benitez, who had a lunch with four elected Team Asenso councilors in Silay City, including Lyndon Bernardo, Romela Amoroso, Paolo Tiongco, and James Golez, said he is proud for their win, and excited to collaborate with them.
“Together, we remain committed to our shared platform of better healthcare, quality education, and inclusive development,” he said.
“The district office will work with the local government to go beyond traditional politics and elevate public service for the betterment of Silaynons,” Benitez said.
Meanwhile, Gallego said that only three of the seven injured victims are still in the hospital.
One of the suspects, Lantad village chief Arnie Benedicto, who surrendered to the authorities, and three others are facing charges for two counts of murder and multiple frustrated murder filed by the police before the City Prosecutor’s Office. | GB
