BACOLOD City – This city’s Cong. Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez and his son, Negros Occidental 3rd District’s Rep. Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez cast different votes during the election for House Speaker held yesterday, July 28, following the inaugural session of the 20th Congress.
Leyte 1st District’s Rep Ferdinand Martin Romualdez was elected Speaker after running unopposed.
Cong. Albee Benitez, in a statement, said, “I will not vote for Martin Romualdez as Speaker of the House. I believe our chamber needs a leader who will stand firmly behind President [Ferdinand] ‘Bongbong’ Marcos — not pull him down — and can help unite the nation behind his vision for the country.”
He criticized the current state of Congress, citing controversies over questionable budget allocations, politicized relief distribution, and alleged power plays that have, he said, fostered distrust, disunity, and dysfunction.
“Our constituents and even our colleagues now question the integrity, transparency, and sincerity of the House,” he added.
Declaring his independence from any political bloc, Cong. Albee Benitez announced he will serve as an independent member of the House of Representatives.
“I will not align with the majority, the minority, or the opposition. I will serve as an independent member of the House — fully supportive of the President and committed to encouraging broader support for his leadership,” he said.
He emphasized the need for a government that acts decisively and places the interests of the people at the forefront.
“This administration must succeed. The better we deliver services, the more lives we improve, especially among those who rely most on government support,” he said.
He further stated, “This is not the time for self-interest or political maneuvering. I will support reforms that uplift the lives of our people, restore public trust through transparency, and help bring lasting, meaningful change. As we enter the crucial second half of this administration, I am ready to do the hard work that our people rightfully expect and deserve.”
Meanwhile, Cong. Javi Benitez, voted for Romualdez as House Speaker. During the roll call voting, he simply stated his vote in favor of the incumbent Speaker without further remarks./PN
