4 Negros Occidental lawmakers secure House committee posts

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Four lawmakers from Negros Occidental have secured committee chairmanships in the House of Representatives for the 20th Congress.

First-term Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez (3rd District) was appointed chairman of the Special Committee on Creative Industry and Performing Arts.

Benitez was also named one of the assistant majority leaders of the 20th Congress.

Returning Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer (4th District) was appointed chairman of the Committee on Legislative Franchises, one of the most influential panels in the House.

Rep. Alfredo “Thirdy” Marañon III (2nd District) retained his position as chairman of the Committee on Natural Resources, which he also led during the 19th Congress.

Both Ferrer and Marañon had earlier expressed interest in chairing their respective committees.

Rep. Julio Ledesma IV (1st District), also a returning lawmaker, was appointed chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology.

The four lawmakers—Ferrer, Ledesma, Benitez, and Marañon—voted for Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez as House Speaker for the 20th Congress.

In a statement, Benitez said that as chairman of the creative industries panel, he is committed to strengthening laws that protect creative sector stakeholders, energize the culture and creative economy, and safeguard intellectual and creative rights.

“We will infuse new energy into this extensive industry, where Filipino creatives are known worldwide, and harness the huge economic potential it offers,” he said.

As assistant majority leader, Benitez said he is working closely with Majority Leader Rep. Sandro Marcos (Ilocos Norte, 1st District) to ensure a productive legislative agenda.

Meanwhile, Bacolod Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez called for greater transparency in the 2026 national budget.

Benitez, the only Negros Occidental lawmaker who abstained from voting for the House Speakership, said the 2024 and 2025 budgets raised serious concerns about the fairness of fund allocations.

In a statement posted on his official social media page, he said, “Many now question the transparency and accountability of the budget process—and, more importantly, whether the final GAA passed by Congress truly reflects the needs of ordinary Filipinos.”

Benitez said one of the most troubling issues is the concentration of large allocations in a few regions, provinces, or local government units.

He said that while some areas receive overwhelming infrastructure funding, many LGUs with urgent and legitimate needs remain underfunded.

“These disproportionate allocations run counter to the very principle of inclusive development,” he added.

Benitez also cited growing public concern that pork barrel politics may be making a return—rebranded under a different name.

To address these issues, he expressed full support for the reform bill filed by Rep. Toby Tiangco.

The proposed measure calls for open plenary debates on all budget amendments, the creation of an independent appropriations committee, and stronger safeguards against the misuse of government aid.

“These are concrete and necessary steps toward restoring fairness, transparency, and accountability in the budget process,” Benitez said.

He also cited President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address, saying it sent a clear message that questionable insertions and political maneuvering will not be tolerated.

“The national budget must reflect the real and pressing needs of our people,” he said.

Benitez emphasized that every peso must be spent where it matters most—in classrooms, health centers, public housing, livelihood programs, and underserved local communities.

“I join the call for stricter oversight, equitable distribution of funds, and lasting budget reform,” he said.

He added, “The time has come to fix a broken system and ensure that all Filipinos, regardless of where they live, benefit from inclusive and responsive governance.”

Benitez said that while he and his son, Rep. Javi Benitez, voted differently in the House Speaker election, they respect each other’s decisions.