Victorias mayor eyes uncle’s congressional seat in 2025

BACOLOD CITY—Victorias City Mayor Javi Benitez is reportedly considering a run for the congressional seat in Negros Occidental’s third district in the 2025 elections, after his uncle, Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, was appointed as Director-General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Rep. Benitez, who was in his second term as the district’s representative, was appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as the new TESDA chief, replacing Suharto Mangudadatu, who stepped down to focus on the upcoming parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez, father of Mayor Javi and former representative of the third district, hinted at his son’s potential candidacy during a press conference.

“I think that’s within his horizon,” Mayor Albee said when asked about Mayor Javi’s plans.

He further described his son as the strongest candidate for the congressional post vacated by his brother.

The third congressional district includes Victorias City, where Mayor Javi Benitez is currently serving his first term.

His father, Mayor Albee, also noted that a caretaker will be designated for the district by House Speaker Martin Romualdez, given the approaching election period, with the filing of candidacies scheduled for October.

Mayor Albee expressed surprise at his brother’s appointment as TESDA Secretary.

“This is new; actually, we were surprised. In fact, there was no prior information or communication from the Office of the President.”

He added that Rep. Kiko Benitez’s academic background played a significant role in his selection for the role.

Negros Officials Hail Benitez Appointment

Rep. Benitez’s appointment as TESDA chief has been met with widespread approval from officials across Negros Occidental.

Bacolod Lone District Representative Greg Gasataya and Fifth District Representative Dino Yulo were among the first to congratulate him on social media.

“We’re sad to see you go, BUT! We know you can do something better for our country,” Yulo posted.

Second District Representative Alfredo “Thirdy” Marañon III welcomed the appointment, noting, “We are proud to have a Negrense in the Cabinet.”

Talisay City Mayor Neil Lizares also extended his congratulations, along with Vice Mayor Nic Jalandoni and the residents of Talisay City.

Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Frank Carbon lauded the appointment, calling Rep. Benitez “a perfect fit for the job” due to his strong educational background.

“He could design a TESDA program to address or remedy the deficiencies of the DepEd program,” Carbon added.

Rep. Benitez Expresses Gratitude

Upon accepting his new role, Rep. Benitez thanked President Marcos Jr. for the appointment on social media: “It is my honor to serve the country as TESDA Director-General.”

He also expressed gratitude to educational organizations and his colleagues in the House, particularly Speaker Romualdez, for their support.

Rep. Benitez assured his constituents in the third district that despite his new role, he would continue to serve them. “I may be moving to another role, but we will not leave you. I will always be at your service,” he said.

Rep. Benitez highlighted the significance of his new role, noting that it was his grand-aunt, Senator Helena Z. Benitez, who authored Republic Act No. 5462, which established the National Manpower and Youth Council, the precursor to TESDA.

In his statement, Rep. Benitez acknowledged the evolving challenges in the job market, particularly the need to adapt to digital transformation.

“But if we all work together—industry, government, academia, and tech-voc institutions—we will succeed. Together, we will shape the New Filipino. Together, we will forge a New TESDA and a New Philippines,” he concluded.