Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) director general, and officials of three local government units are endorsing Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez to run for representative of 3rd District of Negros Occidental.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s appointment of Francisco Benitez, who was the 3rd District representative, as TESDA head has left a vacuum in his district.
The TESDA director general, at a press conference on Monday, August 26, said “I want to endorse Javi Benitez” to run for congressman of the 3rd District in 2025.
“Javi’s track record and competence coupled with his passion and drive makes me feel confident in leaving the district in his hands,” he said.
Meanwhile, he has recommended the appointment of Rep. Stephen Paduano (Abang Lingkod) as caretaker of the 3rd District until the 2025 polls, the TESDA director general said.
Paduano is his choice because he is from the 3rd District and a caretaker is needed to make sure district programs and projects continue, he added.
He said they are still trying to convince the Victorias mayor to run for congressman.
His nephew is reluctant because he “loves Victorias and wants to see his programs and projects there take root”, Francisco Benitez said.
The TESDA director general debunked rumors that Nikki Benitez, the wife of Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Benitez, plans to run for congresswoman of the 3rd District.
She had been very consistent and adamant against joining politics, he said.
LGU ENDORSEMENTS
EB Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon and his town’s Sangguniang Bayan are also endorsing the Victorias mayor for congressman.The EB Magalona SB has passed a resolution expressing their support saying he is “dynamic and independent-minded”.
The SB also cited the “remarkable achievements that Victorias City has accomplished under his leadership”.Mayor Gerry Rojas also said he and the Murcia officials will also be endorsing Benitez for congressman.
Former Silay City Mayor Mark Golez and Councilor Ryan Gamboa said their Asenso Silay team is also endorsing Benitez.
JAVI’ SIDE
Benitez said he has yet to decide on running for congressman, consultations are ongoing with his Victorias team.
He appreciates the endorsements but his heart is in Victorias so running for congressman is a difficult decision to make, he said.
A decision will be made by September, he added.
On the possibility of his mother running for office, he said she is focused on her public service in a non-government capacity through her Nikki Cares Foundation
.
He also said his girlfriend Sue Ramirez is an American citizen and is focused on her acting career, in response to talk that she could run for public office.*