Victorias City mayor inclined to seek uncle’s old seat

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By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez of Victorias City, Negros Occidental, said he is inclined to run for congressional representative in the third district of Negros Occidental in 2025, a position previously held by his uncle, newly appointed TESDA Director General Francisco “Kiko” Benitez.

“Yes, I am inclined to run,” Mayor Benitez confirmed when asked by reporters on Monday after taking his oath as a member of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP).

He was among more than 200 individuals who joined the party in a mass oath-taking ceremony administered by PFP president and South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo, held at the L’Fisher Hotel in Bacolod.

However, Mayor Benitez added that he is still in the process of consulting with various sectors and local leaders, which he said will help him make his final decision.

“I just want to make sure I get their thoughts on this, and eventually, I will decide,” Mayor Benitez explained.

He also expressed gratitude to his uncle, who has openly endorsed him as his successor.

When asked about the possibility of his mother, Nikki Lopez Benitez, running for his current position as mayor of Victorias City, Mayor Benitez said it is not likely but added that his mother is highly capable.

In an earlier interview, TESDA Secretary Benitez endorsed his nephew, Mayor Benitez, to take over his congressional seat in the 2025 elections.

He also mentioned that he would ask House Speaker Martin Romualdez to appoint Abang Lingkod party-list Rep. Stephen Paduano as caretaker of the third district.

Since the 2025 elections are approaching, the third district will be entrusted to a caretaker instead of holding a special election.