BACOLOD City – House Deputy Speaker and Bacolod Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez and City Councilor Homer Bais have apologized to each other following their heated exchange at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) on October 16, calling for an end to the controversy and a renewed focus on public service.
Bais, in a privilege speech during the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s regular session on October 21, urged both sides to move forward after their confrontation shortly before the opening of the Electric MassKara festivities.
Several minutes after the councilor’s speech, Benitez posted a video statement on his Facebook page, apologizing to the people of Bacolod and to Bais over the incident.
Benitez acknowledged that public officials must exercise emotional restraint and humility even when disagreements arise.
“As leaders, we should demonstrate that we can control our emotions and remain humble. We are human, and sometimes we fail to control our emotions,” Benitez said.
He said he had initially wanted to discuss the matter privately with Bais but decided to issue a public statement.
Benitez stressed that he had no intention of embarrassing or disrespecting the councilor when he approached him on the evening of October 16.
“I have no intention of justifying my actions that night. I simply want to convey to you that I had no intention of humiliating you when I approached you. That was not my intention. Nevertheless, I am asking for an apology, first to the people of Bacolod and then to you, Councilor Homer Bais,” he said.
Benitez expressed hope that they could put the incident behind them and focus on providing residents with clear, transparent and open updates on city projects and programs.
Bais, meanwhile, said Benitez did not need to apologize, adding that he felt embarrassed after watching the congressman’s public statement.
The councilor said he had already called for both parties to move forward before Benitez issued his apology. He also acknowledged his role in the confrontation and apologized to the congressman for his reaction.
Bais said disagreements among public officials were not unusual and should not hinder them from performing their duties.
“What is important is that the initial report is already available, because that was where everything started,” Bais said, referring to the review of the city’s loans that triggered their disagreement.
The confrontation reportedly stemmed from differing views on how the City Council should examine loans obtained during the administrations of former Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia and Benitez, who also served as city mayor.
Bais had called for a comprehensive review of the city’s loan-funded projects, citing the council’s responsibility to address public concerns over the use of borrowed funds and the status of projects financed through the loans.
He maintained that the matter should be discussed through proper City Council proceedings, where officials could examine the findings and provide answers to the public.
Bais welcomed the availability of an initial report on the loans and expressed confidence that relations between him and Benitez could eventually improve.
He also urged fellow officials and political allies not to prolong the controversy, stressing that serving Bacolod residents should remain their priority.
The two officials’ apologies came days after their argument at the BCGC lobby drew public attention, particularly because both belong to the same political camp./PN
