Benitez elected House deputy speaker

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Bacolod Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez was elected deputy speaker of the House of Representatives on Wednesday night before the chamber adjourned for its annual summer recess.

“I am deeply honored and grateful to my colleagues in the House of Representatives, and to House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III for the trust and confidence they have given me through my election as Deputy Speaker,” Benitez said in a statement.

Benitez said he was accepting the post with humility and a deep sense of responsibility not only to the House, but also to the people of Bacolod who entrusted him with the privilege of representing them, and to the Visayan communities whose voices deserve to be heard in the national discourse.

The lawmaker said he looks forward to working closely with Dy and his fellow legislators, especially at an important time for the nation.

“I accept this responsibility with humility and with a strong commitment to serve the Filipino people with integrity, diligence, and unity,” he added.

He described the role as both a mandate and an opportunity: a mandate to continue delivering for Bacolod, and an opportunity to contribute more meaningfully to nation-building.

“As I serve in this expanded capacity, I remain firmly committed to ensuring that the needs of Bacolodnons are addressed, while helping shape policies that uplift communities across the Visayas and the entire country,” he added.

Benitez said he aims to help build a stronger, more responsive and more compassionate government.

He assured the people of the Visayas that he would do his utmost to make Congress a strong and reliable partner in their shared aspirations for inclusive and sustained progress.

He also assured Dy that he would use his experience and knowledge to help strengthen cooperation among their colleagues and contribute to restoring public trust in the House as a true House of the People — one that listens, acts and delivers for the kababayan.

He also thanked the House leadership and his fellow members of the Visayan bloc for their support and solidarity.

Mayor Greg Gasataya congratulated Benitez and expressed pride over his election in the 20th Congress.

“This milestone is a testament to your commitment to public service and Bacolod City is proud to see your leadership recognized on the national stage,” Gasataya said in a statement.

The mayor said he looks forward to continuing to work with Benitez for the progress of the highly urbanized city and the nation.

Also elected deputy speakers were Cebu’s 5th District Rep. Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco and Pangasinan’s 3rd District Rep. Maria Rachel Arenas.

The three were nominated on the floor by Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos III and elected by the chamber during the March 18 plenary session.

Benitez, leader of the Visayan bloc, had earlier been rumored as a possible contender for speaker when the 20th Congress opened on June 30, 2025.