Bacolod City Rep. Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez was elected Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, March 18.
Also elected as deputy speakers were Pangasinan Rep. Maria Rachel Arenas and Cebu Rep. Vincent Franco Frasco.
Majority Floor Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos nominated the three new deputy speakers, and the motion was approved by Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, who presided over the session.
“I am deeply honored and grateful to my colleagues in the House of Representatives, and to Speaker Bojie Dy, for the trust and confidence they have given me through my election as Deputy Speaker,“ Benitez said.
He said he accepts the responsibility 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”, Benitez said.
“The Visayan Bloc fully supports Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ G. Dy III and the leadership he has shown in guiding the House of Representatives, particularly in the crafting of the national budget,” Benitez, the group‘s convenor, said in a statement posted on his Facebook page earlier on Wednesday.
“The General Appropriations Act is the product of months of deliberation and consultation, and 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,” Benitez said.
Aside from prioritizing reforms intended to restore the public’s trust in the House, Benitez said Dy has consistently encouraged members to raise concerns through dialog 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,” Benitez said.
Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya, who congratulated Benitez on his election as Deputy Speaker, said “this milestone is a testament to your commitment to public service and Bacolod City is proud to see your leadership recognized on the national stage”.*
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