NEGROS Occidental Third District Representative Alfredo “Albee” Benitez said he will no longer run for senator in the May 2019 midterm elections.
“I decided to forego the opportunity to run as a member of the PDP-Laban’s senatorial line up in next year’s elections,” said Benitez in a statement on Wednesday, September 5.
Benitez was previously included in the ruling party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan’s (PDP-Laban) senatorial slate, along with Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman, Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles and Maguindanao Rep. Zajid Mangudadatu, among others.
Former House speaker Pantaleon Alvarez previously campaigned for Benitez during his visit to several provinces for mass oath-taking ceremonies.
But the list released by the party on August 31 did not include Benitez.
A third-term congressman who chairs the House committee on housing and urban development, Benitez said he decided not to run as he believes that the PDP-Laban leaders, including Alvarez and former Senate president Aquilino Pimentel III, should be given a free hand to choose its candidates for the forthcoming polls.
“I believe that party solidarity can be better achieved if the leadership will be given a free hand to choose its candidates based on present legislative priorities and keeping in mind the seniority of other candidates,” he said.
Amid his decision, Benitez said his role in the PDP-Laban will not be diminished, adding that he will “actively campaign” and support the candidates who will be chosen by the President.
“My commitment to a one Visayan bloc remains and I shall endeavor to help our party through local initiatives in the region,” Benitez said.
Benitez leads the powerful Visayan bloc at the House of Representatives.
The lawmaker said he will spend his remaining days at the House of Representatives in pursuing his legislative advocacies for reforms in housing and urban development.
Benitez was among the 184 lawmakers who voted for the speakership of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. (Keith A. Calayag/SunStar Philippines)