Javier Miguel “Javi” Lopez Benitez filed his certificate of candidacy for mayor of Victorias City along with his team Friday, October 1.
Running for vice mayor of Victorias along with Benitez is Incumbent Councilor Abelardo “Junb” Bantug III, who also filed his COC.
Seven of the incumbent councilors seeking re-election under the Benitez ticket are Virgie Adorio, Audie Malaga, Hermie Millan, Derek Palanca, Dexter Senido, Nity Sta. Ana, and Daylen Tornea.
The line-up also includes former city administrator Dino Acuña, Nonoy de Asis – former chief of staff of Mayor Francis Palanca, and Barangay 15-A punong barangay Ulysis Tumimbang.
Benitez said for the first time in Victorias, the identification of the final composition of the line-up was determined through a party convention participated in by leaders of the Asenso Victoriahanons held in a blended mode in July this year.
The group is running under the local banner of Asenso Victoriahanons.
Benitez chose to run as an independent with no affiliation to any national political party. The rest of the line-up are running under PDP Laban whose provincial head is former Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez, father of Javi Benitez.
“My father and my family understand my position on this and we fully support each other”, the Victorias mayoral bet said.
“I will work hard to support our line-up. The main focus now is on the challenge and opportunity to serve Victoriahanons,” he said.*