NEGROS Occidental Third District Representative Alfredo Benitez is backing the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes in the country.

In fact, he revealed that the bill for the legalization of marijuana is already up for plenary discussion.

As long as it is for medicinal purposes, Benitez explained he sees nothing wrong with legalizing marijuana.

“In fact, there are also other illegal drugs that are being used for medicinal purposes,” Benitez pointed out.

“Asenso” Assembly

Meanwhile, Benitez also assured the 18,000 barangay leaders, supporters, and local officials that the “Asenso” services in his district will continue even his term will end in 2019.

He made the assurance during the “Asenso” Third District General Assembly and his birthday celebration on Thursday, December 20, at Rafael B. Lacson Memorial High School in Talisay City.

He said “Asenso” is the change he introduced to the district that changes the real public service not based on political but institutional.

Benitez also said he wishes that one of his pet legislation which is the creation of the Department of Human Settlement would become law before his term ends.

He said that President Rodrigo Duterte has already said that the creation of the said department is one of his priorities.

Present during the event were Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, retired police general Ronald dela Rosa, Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, E.B. Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon, Silay City Mayor Mark Golez, Talisay City Mayor Neil Lizares, Murcia Mayor Andrew Montelibano, Victorias City Mayor Francis Palanca, Abang Lingkod party-list Representative Stephen Paduano, and other officials.

Also present was Benitez’s brother, Francisco Benitez, who is running unopposed for congressman in the 2019 elections. (TDE)