Benitez sibling mulls reviving NIR

The younger brother of outgoing Negros Occidental 3rd district Rep. Alfredo Benitez is mulling to revive the Negros Island Region when he assumes the post on July 1, 2019.

Dr. Francisco Benitez is set to assume his brother’s seat. He was unopposed in the May 13 midterm elections.

Alfredo Benitez is serving his 3rd and last term as congressman.

Dr. Benitez said that aside from continuing the infrastructure projects and programs of his brother, he will pursue the “Metro Third Development.”

The third district is composed of the cities of Victorias, Silay, Talisay and the municipalities of EB Magalona and Murcia.

“It’s a question of critical mass. If the district gets together it will be a sufficient critical mass for many things not just the putting up of offices of national government agencies,” he said.

Earlier, Roland Ramos, regional director of the Land Transportation Office, said his agency will put up an extension office in EB Magalona to decongest their offices in Bacolod City and Cadiz City.

Dr. Benitez said putting up of offices of national government agencies and departments in the district “will be beneficial.”

He also said he will study the possibility of reviving the Negros Island Region (NIR).

“I think it’s a good idea. It speeds up bureaucracy. Whatever speeds up bureaucracy is better for efficiency,” he said.

He also said that health and education will be his top priority.