• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Two lawmakers from Negros Occidental have been appointed to key leadership positions in the House of Representatives following a major reorganization of the chamber’s leadership and committee assignments.
Negros Occidental 6th District Rep. Mercedes Alvarez was elected as one of the Deputy Speakers, replacing Ilocos Sur 2nd District Rep. Kristine Singson-Meehan. Negros Occidental 1st District Rep. Julio Ledesma IV was named chairperson of the House committee on economic affairs, succeeding Antique Rep. Antonio Legarda Jr.
Ledesma relinquished his previous post as chairperson of the committee on science and technology, which will now be headed by Aklan Rep. Jesus Marquez.
The appointments increase Negros Occidental’s representation in key leadership positions in the Lower House.
Bacolod City Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez had earlier been designated as a Deputy Speaker.
Other Negros Occidental lawmakers holding significant House positions include 4th District Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer, chairperson of the committee on legislative franchises; 3rd District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez, chairperson of the special committee on creative industries; and 5th District Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo, vice chairperson of the committee on agriculture and food.
The House leadership said the reorganization is part of its periodic realignment aimed at strengthening legislative operations and enhancing committee oversight.
The latest reshuffle has also drawn attention following reports that some of the leadership and committee changes may be linked to lawmakers’ participation and voting positions during the recent impeachment proceedings although no official confirmation has been made connecting the reassignments to the issue. | GPB
