• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The guessing game is now over, as Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez accepted the mounting call for him to run as congressman of the Third District of Negros Occidental, following the footsteps of his father, Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and uncle, Jose Francisco Benitez.
“I am running for congressman of the Third District of Negros Occidental this 2025 mid-term elections,” the young mayor said before thousands of supporters at the Victorias City Coliseum Friday night (Sept. 20).
The event was witnessed by his family members, including his father Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and his mother Nikki, as well as Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer, members of the Provincial Board and other political allies under the Asenso coalition.
Abang Lingkod partylist Rep. Stephen Joseph Paduano serves as the caretaker of the district, following the designation of Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez as the director general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
“’Padayon ang Serbisyong Asenso’ must be the banner of our forward motion towards a better future,” the Victorias City mayor said, as he vowed to continue what his father and uncle started in the Third District, and the legacy they left behind in public service, which is performance.
“How can one public servant like me inspired by such leadership, say no to that legacy?,” he asked.
Based on their family tree, the young mayor said he is the seventh generation of their family in the public service, both in Victorias City and in the Third District.
On why there is a need for another Benitez in the Third District, he answered “Bangud ang pagsanyog padayon, kag wala naga-pondo ang pag-asenso.”
“To me, this is more than just a legacy, this is also the future I will be a part of. This is also my future, as a public servant or an ordinary citizen,” he added.
“I am ready to continue the legacy. I am prepared to forge ahead,” he further said.
He also said, “While the beautiful legacy must continue, it is also the time to take the lead by marching towards the digital future where tomorrow’s technology commands the order of the day”.
“Just one leader cannot build a better society we hope for the future, it must be founded on the shoulders of many willing to follow the one who leads voluntarily,” he stressed.
During a press briefing, Benitez said Vice Mayor Abelardo Bantug III, who is also a relative, will run for mayor of Victorias City and will soon announce his entire slate.
He also said that he will support the candidates to be endorsed by the outgoing mayors in the district, especially in E.B. Magalona, Murcia and Talisay City.
As to the case of Silay City, he said whoever will be endorsed by the former congressmen will also get his support.
Former Mayor Mark Golez, who attended the Padayon: Benitez Legacy event, is challenging incumbent Mayor Joedith Gallego in the mayoralty race next year.
Both are members of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, where the Benitezes are also affiliated with. | GB