Visayan Bloc aims to become political party

By: Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – The Visayan bloc in Congress will be transformed into a regional political party.

Former 3rd district Rep. Alfredo Benitez, one of the lead convenors of the Visayan bloc formed in 2013, said they are studying moves to convert the group into a regional political party.

The Visayan bloc is a multi-party membership composed of 44 lawmakers in Visayas with Antique Rep. Loren Legarda as the latest addition to the list.

Benitez said the political alignment and commitment of Visayan bloc members are “very deep”.

“We can probably formalize it politically by establishing a political party. It is now being studied if we can create one,” he said.

Davao City Mayor Sarah Duterte also formed Hugpong ng Pagbabago regional party in Mindanao.

In 2013, the Visayan bloc was formed mainly to promote and develop tourism in Visayas.

Benitez, who is now the chairman emeritus of Visayan bloc, also organized earlier One Visayas which included governors and mayors of Visayas. It focuses on the economic and development of the Visayas region.

As an investment consultant of the provincial government of Negros Occidental, Benitez said they are now studying the past programs and projects of the province. (Photo Courtesy of albeebenitez.ph)