Deputy House Speaker and Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez on Monday, June 8, said he favors the election of the country’s senators on a regional level to ensure that all regions in the country are properly represented.
Benitez said that under the current system, where senators are elected nationally, the process inherently favors high-profile, popular individuals. As a result, genuine representation for each distinct region is often lost.
Under Benitez’s proposal, two senators would be elected from each of the country’s 18 regions, bringing the total number of Senate seats to 36.
However, while many agree with his proposal implementing it would require Charter Change, which would be difficult at this time, Benitez said.
SENATE LEADERSHIP DISPUTE
Benitez also weighed in on the ongoing leadership dispute in the Senate between the camps of Senator Win Gatchalian and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, both of whom are claiming leadership of the chamber.
He said one way to resolve the impasse is through a Supreme Court decision to establish who holds the legal basis.
The President could also call a special session where all members must attend and vote, he said.
“As of now, from what I can see, the majority is with Gatchalian. If a quorum is called, he will have the numbers. I think that is the reason why the other side is trying to delay a quorum—because they don’t have the numbers,” he said.
LOCAL POLITICS
Meanwhile, Benitez confirmed he was scheduled to meet with Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and the congressmen of the “Love Negros”on Monday afternoon. The agenda for the meeting was to discuss the 2028 elections, he said.*
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