Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Benitez filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for a second term as congressman of the third district of Negros Occidental before the provincial Commission on Elections at the Social Hall of the Capitol in Bacolod City, Monday afternoon, October 4.
Benitez, who is a member of the PDP Laban Cusi Wing, appealed to his constituents to return the love he has shown them by supporting him in the May 2022 polls.
Among his many priorities will be the digital transformation of the third district as part of the economic recovery efforts due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.
He was accompanied by his brother, former Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, nephew Javi Benitez, who is running for mayor of Victorias City, and officials of the third district.
Anthony Dennis Occeño (Independent) also filed his COC to run for board member of the fifth district of Negros Occidental.
Meanwhile, in Candoni town among those who filed their COCs Monday were Ray Retarino Ruiz for mayor and Mayor Cicero Borromeo for vice mayor, Provincial Elections Supervisor Ian Lee Ananoria said.
Other mayoral bets who filed COCs were Ronelio Ybañez Naciongayo in Hinigaran, Eman Lumawag (Independent) – Himamaylan City and Marilou Bantad Portugalete – Talisay City, he added.*