Lawmaker confirms move to join Marcos’ ruling party

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez confirmed Friday that he is set to join Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), the ruling party of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Speaking to reporters after launching Oplan Kontra Baha alongside Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya and Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Charles Calima, Benitez confirmed his impending affiliation with PFP.

The move is widely seen as strengthening the position of House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, amid growing political uncertainty and allegations of corruption within the administration.

Benitez returned to Congress in July 2025 as an independent candidate under his local Asenso Bacolod party, following a successful run as the city’s lone district representative.

Though previously speculated as a potential challenger to then-Speaker Martin Romualdez, Benitez denied having any intention to seek the chamber’s top post.

A seasoned political operator, Benitez has long been regarded as a regional power broker. His strong showing in the 2025 elections further solidified his influence in Western Visayas.

His anticipated entry into PFP comes as speculation swirls over a possible House leadership shakeup, including rumors of an impeachment complaint against President Marcos.

Amid these developments, Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno of the National Unity Party is reportedly being considered as a possible replacement should Dy’s speakership be jeopardized.

Despite the turbulence, Dy has recently consolidated support from at least 97 lawmakers from Metro Manila and Mindanao, as well as the 39-member Northern Luzon Alliance and the 44-member Party-list Coalition.

House leaders say these public demonstrations of support are intended to present a unified front and maintain stability in the lower chamber.

Benitez’s expected alignment with PFP signals a growing presence for the ruling party in the Visayas region.

From 2010 to 2019, he served three consecutive terms in Congress and was instrumental in forming the influential Visayan Bloc.

After stepping away from national politics, Benitez ran for mayor of Bacolod in 2022 before reclaiming a congressional seat in 2025.