Victorias Mayor Javi Benitez to run for congress

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Mayor Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez of Victorias City, Negros Occidental, officially declared his bid for the third congressional district of the province during a packed event at the Victorias City Coliseum on Friday afternoon.

“In 2025, ‘Serbisyong Asenso’ will continue in the Third District,” Benitez announced on his social media page.

He added, “Today, we officially announce that I will be running for Congressman of the Third District of Negros Occidental in the 2025 Midterm Elections.”

Benitez further emphasized, “I am fully prepared to continue the legacy of the Benitez family in the Third District. I am ready to do more.”

His candidacy comes after his uncle, Third District Representative Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, was appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as Director-General of the Technological Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The elder Benitez was serving his second term as the district’s representative.

Mayor Javi Benitez’s father, Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez, held the same congressional post for three terms before being elected mayor.

Among those expressing their support for Benitez are Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, and several mayors from the third district. Leaders and supporters from Murcia, Silay City, Talisay City, E.B. Magalona, and Victorias City were also present.