Benitez Eyes Bacolod Redistricting, Cuts in Red Tape

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Bacolod City Mayor and Lone District Representative-elect Alfredo “Albee” Benitez said he will push for the redistricting of the city to secure two congressional seats.

In a press conference Monday at the Bacolod Government Center, Benitez also said he will file measures to reduce, if not eliminate, red tape in government.

Benitez, who will end his term as Bacolod mayor on June 30, 2025, said redistricting will be among his top priorities once he assumes office in the 20th Congress.

A first-term mayor, Benitez swapped positions in the May 12, 2025 midterm elections with Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya, who is on his third and final term.

Benitez won the congressional seat, defeating his opponents, including former Bacolod City mayor and lawmaker Evelio Leonardia.

Gasataya, on the other hand, was elected mayor after defeating several contenders, including Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran.

Benitez said Gasataya had filed a bill during his final term seeking to divide the city into two congressional districts.

He added that he plans to refile the same measure.

He said the Sangguniang Panlungsod will need to pass a resolution supporting the move, as this is one of the prerequisites for redistricting.

Benitez also reiterated his plan to push for legislation aimed at reducing red tape in government.

“That is one of my greatest frustrations as mayor,” he said.

He noted that people are often made to go back and forth when processing government documents or availing themselves of public services.

“Services delayed are services denied,” he said, stressing the need to streamline processes for faster delivery of government assistance.