The House of Representatives designated Rep. Joseph Stephen “Caraps” Paduano (Abang Lingkod Partylist) as the legislative caretaker of the Third District of Negros Occidental on Wednesday, Sept. 4.
The seat was left vacant when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Rep. Francisco Benitez director general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority on August 16.
Paduano said he will sit as caretaker of the 3rd District until the 19th Congress adjourns and a new congressman of the district is elected in the May 2025 polls.
Victorias Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez is being urged to run for representative of the 3rd District in the May 2025 polls.
Paduano said he will ensure the completion of the projects started by Benitez in the 3rd District and the passage of his pending bills.
“I will make sure that his legislative agenda is carried out”, Paduano said.
Paduano thanked House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and the members of Congress for his designation as 3rd District caretaker.
Secretary Benitez said he welcomes the designation of Paduano to the post.
“We thank and applaud Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Majority Leader Manuel Jose ‘Mannix’ Dalipe for their excellent choice and support,” Benitez said.
“I have full confidence in the ability of Congressman Caraps in representing the best interest of the people of the Third District. I trust that he will diligently shepherd and monitor the implementation, progress and completion of projects and programs that I have started, ensuring that our shared vision for the district is fulfilled until the end of the 19th Congress in June 2025,” he said.
Benitez also assured the residents of the 3rd District that he will not abandon them.
“I will remain and always be at your service,” he assured.*