WILL Negros Occidental third district Representative Alfredo Benitez finally bare his political plans this week?
Benitez has yet to confirm if he will run for senator, or governor in the 2019 elections or may opt out politics.
During the Health Summit last week at the Bacolod Pavillon Hotel, the lawmaker said he will make an announcement about his future political plans this week.
When asked about the campaign urging him to run for governor by former third district board member Patrick Lacson, Benitez refused to answer.
He also quipped he may run in the barangay elections.
But on Benitez’s official website, it was hinted the third-termer congressman may go back to head their family-owned gaming business under Leisure and Resorts World Corp. (LRWC).
“However, sources said Benitez was leaning toward taking a break from politics to head the family-owned gaming business under Leisure and Resorts World Corp. (LRWC),” the website said.
It also stated that Benitez was invited by House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez of Davao del Norte to run under ruling party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban)’s senatorial slate for the 2019 polls.
Benitez, who graduated from St. Mary’s College in Williamsburg, Virginia, with a degree in Mathematics, served as president of LRWC from October 10, 2005, to June 25, 2010.
He divested himself of business interests before being sworn in as a congressman in 2010 amid concerns about the potential conflicts of interest.
LRWC holds a wide range of interests in the country’s online and land-based gaming and leisure sectors.
The company is the local partner of Macau casino giant Galaxy Entertainment Group for a planned $500 million casino hub on the island of Boracay.
Benitez could not be reached for comment as of press deadline. (TDE)