Councilor Claudio “Kalaw” Puentevella takes his oath as vice mayor of Bacolod City before Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez on Monday, June 2.*Rocky Puentevella FB page photo
Representative-elect Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez said on Monday, June 2, that he will push for the creation of a second congressional district in Bacolod City and seek national government funds for the construction of a coastal road and floodgates to mitigate flooding.
Benitez is set to take his oath as representative of Bacolod before Barangay 18 Captain Madeline Diaz on June 20 and deliver his state of the city address and turn over the reins of the city government to incoming mayor Greg Gasataya on June 28.
Abang Lingkod Partylist Representative-elect Manuel Frederick Ko, Bacolod Vice Mayor Claudio “Kalaw” Puentevella and Councilor Jason Villarosa took their oaths of office before Benitez on Monday.
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez (2nd from left) with Abang Lingkod Partylist Representative-elect Manuel Frederick Ko, Bacolod Vice Mayor-elect Claudio “Kalaw” Puentevella and Councilor Jason Villarosa (l-r) after they took their oaths.* Rocky Puentevella FB page photo
As to reports that he is a contender for Speaker of the House, Benitez said he has no plans for it and has not done anything to seek the position.
The choice will be up to his colleagues in Congress to determine whatever is best for the House of Representatives and the country – that should be the guiding reason, he said.
Benitez said he moved to Congress to promote the interest of Bacolod.
As congressman he will push for the passage of a law that will replicate the Bacolod City Comprehensive Health Program (BacCHP) nationwide to address the health needs of all Filipinos, Benitez said.
He will also push for the passage of a law that will reduce bureaucratic red tape to hasten the implementation of government programs, because service delayed is service denied, Benitez added.
Benitez said he will refile the bill of outgoing Rep. Gasataya seeking the creation of a second congressional district for Bacolod that will need a resolution of support from the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod.
The construction of the first phase of Panay-Guimaras-Negros Bridges is expected to start at the end of year so he will also seek funding for the Bacolod coastal road to address the expected influx of traffic, he said.
The coastal road will also address flood control and shoreline protection. It will not only address access and mobility, but environment and livelihood concerns of fisherfolk, Benitez added.
He declined to comment on social media posts on the state of his marriage.
Benitez said he wanted to put the issue to rest because the matter is still pending in court, “it will not do good for any of the parties if we continue talking about this”.*