Rep. Javi Benitez denies graft allegations in Ombudsman case

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Javi Benitez has denied allegations of graft, dishonesty and grave abuse of authority filed against him, saying the complaint pending before the Office of the Ombudsman is baseless and unsupported by evidence.

In a statement posted Friday on his social media page, Benitez said he has already submitted his counter-affidavit and position paper, along with documentary evidence, disputing claims that he violated Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, provisions on dishonesty and grave abuse of authority, and Republic Act No. 7160, also known as the Local Government Code.

Citing Republic Act No. 6770, Benitez noted that proceedings before the Ombudsman are confidential at the investigative stage, but stressed that beyond “bare allegations,” the complainant allegedly has no witnesses and no evidence to substantiate the charges.

Benitez pointed to a motion for intervention dated Oct. 13, 2025, filed by James Francis Anthony Garcia, which he said stated that the complainant had no personal knowledge of the facts alleged.

According to Benitez, Garcia admitted that he researched and drafted the complaint, which was later borrowed, modified and filed by the complainant.

The lawmaker further claimed the complaint stemmed from frustration over the denial by the Victorias City government of a request for endorsement of a quarry application on a residential lot, an activity prohibited under City Ordinance No. 05-2019, the city’s zoning ordinance.

In connection with what he described as false statements made under oath, Benitez said a perjury case has been filed against the complainant and is now pending before the Office of the City Prosecutor.

Addressing issues related to the operation of a cockpit in Victorias City, Benitez said official city records show that the applicant fully complied with the requirements under City Ordinance No. 2023-35, which regulates the establishment, operation and maintenance of cockpits.

He added that the ordinance was reviewed and approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental through Resolution No. 0688 dated June 20, 2023.

Benitez emphasized that there is no existing ordinance or national law requiring a Resolution of No Objection or a franchise for cockpit operations in Victorias City, noting that such requirements are not found in the Local Government Code or City Ordinance No. 2023-35.

He also clarified that the requirement for a Resolution of No Objection applies only to businesses regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, while cockpits fall under the jurisdiction of the Games and Amusements Board.

“The issuance of the Mayor’s Permit and all related permits was undertaken in full compliance with the Local Government Code and applicable ordinances,” Benitez said, adding that he remains confident that due process and the rule of law will prevail.