Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said on Tuesday, Sept. 16, that supporting House Speaker Martin Romualdez would be seen as protecting and condoning him.
Benitez said that from the very start, he made it clear that he is an independent member of the House and will not support Romualdez.
The Bacolod congressman was reacting to the announcement of Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer (Neg. Occ., 4th District) that nine of the 11 Negros Island Region (NIR) representatives are supporting House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Only Benitez and his son, Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District), did not sign the manifesto of support for Romualdez, which Ferrer released on Monday.
“I did not support Speaker Romualdez for the speakership, and I maintain that position. To continue expressing support for him now would only be seen as condoning and protecting him,” the Bacolod representative said.
He pointed out that serious issues remain unresolved, including the controversy over alleged ghost flood control projects, questionable budget insertions, and the lack of transparency in the budget process, which all point to the leadership of the Speaker.
Benitez said he understands why his fellow NIR congressmen signed a manifesto of support for Romualdez.
“They are simply trying to ensure that their districts will not suffer, and I respect that,” he said.
However, Benitez said he has chosen to stand by his independent stance because his priority is to uphold integrity and accountability in Congress.
‘ALBEE DIDN’T SAY HE’S
RUNNING FOR SPEAKER’
His son, Rep. Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District), asked why there was a need for a manifesto, considering that he voted for Romualdez in the first session and has not resigned from the majority in the House.
He said they should instead focus on demanding accountability and development in the House.
He said that in the press conference announcing the other NIR representatives’ support for Romualdez, Ferrer said his father, Albee Benitez, was eyeing the speakership.
“But it has not been explicitly said by Congressman Albee that he will run for speaker,” he said.
He asked why NIR congressmen, and not those from other regions, issued the statement of support.
“It’s kind of interesting… the thing is, he (Albee Benitez) may be seen as a viable candidate compared to the others,” Javier Benitez said.
The younger Benitez said he understands where those supporting Romualdez are coming from. “They also want to protect their interests, whatever that may be,” he said.
But he added, “Look at the history of previous Congresses — a lot signed manifestos of support, but if there is a trend, a change of wind, a blessing from above, a lot change their minds.”
“There are a lot saying there is a need for accountability, transparency, and justice, some are saying it may not be enough just to change the Speaker. The people need to see justice based on the revelations in the Senate and House,” he said.
Romualdez reportedly will step down from his post on Wednesday, and Isabela Rep. Faustino Dy III will be the new Speaker of the House, reports from Manila said Tuesday night.
Rep. Emilio Yulo said he signed the manifesto of support for Romualdez because the House leadership has helped his district.
GUANZON BACKS BENITEZ
CALL TO END CORRUPTION
Former Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said she supports Rep. Albee Benitez in his call to end corruption.
“It is already clear to BBM that his cousin, Martin Romualdez, cannot remain as Speaker. The people are fed up with the corruption of congressmen under Romualdez’s speakership, and no matter what propaganda he does, he will not win as president, so he is of no use to BBM’s political dynasty,” Guanzon said.
People will no longer want Marcos in 2028, and the big reason for that will be Romualdez, she said.
“The president should not prolong this. The protests will not stop. He should jail the thieves in government, even if they are his relatives,” Guanzon said.*
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