By TERESA D. ELLERA
Tuesday, July 4, 2017

ALL five mayors in the Third District of Negros Occidental are pushing for Representative Alfredo Benitez to be the successor of Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. in 2019.

The endorsement was made on Monday, July 3, by Talisay Mayor Nilo Jesus Antonio Lizares III Lizares, Silay City Mayor Mark Andrew Golez, Victorias City Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca, E.B. Magalona Mayor Marlon Malacon, and Murcia Mayor Andrew Montelibano during a press conference at Nature's Village Hotel in Talisay.

The occasion was the launching of the “Asenso Metro 3rd Burial Assistance: Tabang sa Kalisod” program.

“I cannot say yes or no. I still have to think the options available for me. Let’s see as there are others who have suggested that I should run for a higher position,” Benitez said.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez has offered Benitez a slot in the senatorial line-up of the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan in the 2019 elections.

Benitez said there are still a lot of things to weigh before he makes a decision.

“It is not an easy decision. Winning is not the only thing that should be look at. My constituents want me to be near them so I can be accessible to them,” he said.

Benitez pointed out that “the problem of Negros is bigger than we all think.”

“Some are calling the sugar industry as the next tobacco industry or a sunset industry. Until we can diversify, Negros is still not in good shape,” he said.

Benitez, who leads the Visayan Bloc in Congress, will end his three terms as congressman in 2019.

Marañon, who is on his third and final term, had assured Benitez of the United Negros Alliance’s support if he decides to run for governor in 2019.

Benitez also said that his brother, Dr. Francisco Benitez, president of Philippine Women’s University, is being considered to succeed him in the district.

“Nobody wants to enter politics in my family. Before anything else, whether it is family or anyone what is important is that they will be accepted by the people of the district. Not just because he carries my family name, he can easily get a seat. The next congressman should perform better than me. What should be considered is his or her capacity and skills,” he added.

Abang Lingkod Representative Stephen Paduano said he prefers the congressman to run for senator.

“Personally, I would advise him to run for a higher position for the sake of Negros and for himself,” he added.