Benitez may become DILG secretary

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said it is possible that Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Benitez could be appointed as secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“This is possible because Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr. wants to run for the Senate.

“If he wants to do that, he should resign,” Lacson said.

“That is possible, but I have no inside information on that,” Lacson said.

Benitez previously said one of his options is to seek a position in the national government.

On August 21, Benitez issued an official statement expressing his support for Abalos in connection with the allegation of unnecessary and excessive force used by the PNP during the operation conducted on June 10, 2024 at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound to execute the arrest warrants against Reverend Apollo Quiboloy in several cases.

“I fully support Secretary Abalos and his efforts to combat child abuse, human trafficking and sexual exploitation. His leadership in these areas, together with the various programs adopted by the DILG, ensures that law enforcement operates with integrity and accountability.

We stand behind the secretary as

investigations into the recent operation on June 10, 2024, continue, with confidence that justice and transparency will prevail. Bacolod City remains

“We are committed to working with the national government to protect our citizens and enforce the law,” Benitez said in his official statement.

Meanwhile, Lacson is backing Victoria Mayor Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez to run for congressional office in the third district in the upcoming 2025 elections after his uncle Jose Francisco Benitez was appointed director general of TESDA.

“He is the logical choice for the position. He is more than competent for the position. I know he can handle it,” Lacson stressed on Wednesday.

However, the governor said we had to wait for the mayor’s decision.

“Mayor Javi will make that decision. I believe a first-time mayor will feel more comfortable in an executive position,” Lacson said.

Benitez’s nomination as congressman already received the support of his father, Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Benitez and Undersecretary Benitez, as well as the respective city councils and town councils of the localities in the Third District. (TDE)