Albee Benitez affirms independence, son urges House accountability

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez has reaffirmed his decision to remain independent in the House of Representatives, as eight of 11 lawmakers from the Negros Island Region (NIR) expressed support for Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

Benitez said his stance is grounded in integrity and accountability, emphasizing that endorsing Romualdez would equate to condoning unresolved issues under the latter’s leadership.

He cited alleged “ghost” flood control projects, questionable budget insertions, and a lack of transparency in the budget process as among his concerns.

He also noted that he did not support Romualdez’s bid for the speakership at the start of the 19th Congress.

Negros Occidental 4th District Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer confirmed that only Benitez and his son, Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez, withheld their signatures from the manifesto of support for Romualdez.

Ferrer further hinted that Albee might be eyeing the speakership himself, although the congressman has made no such declaration.

Rep. Mercedes Alvarez (6th District) was reportedly also set to sign the manifesto but was unable to do so due to a family emergency.

Meanwhile, Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez reaffirmed his status as a member of the majority bloc, clarifying that he voted for Romualdez during the initial session.

However, he urged Congress to shift its focus from political alignments to accountability and national development.

“Why the need for so many manifestos, considering I voted for Speaker Romualdez in the first session? I have not resigned; I am still part of the majority,” he said.

The younger Benitez also downplayed speculation that Negros has become a political battleground due to talks of a leadership challenge by his father.

“It seems more like a threat than a real possibility because there are no legitimate words from Cong. Albee,” he said.

He also criticized the shifting nature of political allegiances in Congress, saying these often depend on who holds power.

He stressed that the public is growing increasingly frustrated over the lack of accountability in government.

“People need to see justice in terms of the revelations in the Senate. At some point, people will wait to see what happens because it cannot just end in hearings alone,” he said.

As a first-term lawmaker, Javier said he is concerned about being associated with the negative public perception of the 20th Congress.

“The Philippines is for the Filipino people. That’s why I said what’s needed is accountability and development, so people will wait for that,” he added.

Meanwhile, Negros Occidental 5th District Rep. Emilio Yulo cited Speaker Romualdez’s aid during calamities as a primary reason for his support.

Other NIR lawmakers who signed the manifesto said the region needs a stable and purposeful House leadership, which they believe Romualdez can provide.