ACTOR Javi Benitez, son of former Third District Representative Albee
Benitez and Nikki Lopez Benitez, has embarked on a challenging phase of his pursuit by enlisting himself in the world of politics.
He announced his bid for Mayor of Victorias in the 2022 elections held at Bantug Punong in the city yesterday, September 21, 2021.
Actress Sue Ramirez, his girlfriend, and his mother Nikki showed their moral support to him and aimed for his success in taking a new direction.
Javi is a Bachelor of Science in Political Science graduate in one highly established education institution - Santa Clara University.
He currently ventures into a new calling to hone what he has learned from his degree.
Likewise preserving the legacy of his ancestors Don Alejandro Acuna Yap Quina, a Chinese Filipino businessman and other grandparents of former Victorias City Mayor Remedios Bantug, who helped established Victorias as to what it is today.
Javi belongs to this illustrious political name in Negros whose forebears founded the City of Victorias in Negros Occidental.
Javi belongs to the 6th generation on his paternal side.
This is the time to transform the traditional landscape of leading a government post from the old crop to the vigor of a millennial.
"Why should I wait for the time that I will become old and serve when I am young, energetic, and idealistic?" he asked.
“Not all leaders know all the answers but it is a top priority to always consult the public. I feel that my diverse experiences will make me a strong and the best aspirant for Victorias next year,” he said.
He shared that since 2010, night and day, their family often talks about public service.
“I was a second-year high school student when I went with my father, Albee Benitez (and witnessed) while he was serving the people,” he recalled.
"I was coming back now and then, and I felt the love of the Negrenses in the 3rd District and the Victoriahanons,” the actor said, adding that “after the kindness and generosity that my family has shown and given me, it is now the time for me to pass it forward”.
“I am a young man with new ideas and believe it is not in the age and years of experience to measure one’s capability to serve. Genuine public service is about thoughts, feelings, how you do, and implement it. My various exposures make me confident that I can handle the upcoming task,” he said.
He added, “His governance will be clean, efficient, and inclusive that will encapsulate how government should be - a government that upholds the principle of accountability and transparency, openness and innovation, and a government that will be reactive but proactive, consultative, and a government for all. The time is now."
For her part, “Javi was very excited and nervous to announce his bid despite having planned for this for a long time. He roamed around Victorias City, and sometimes I went with him. I can see that he enjoys what he's doing and that he loves Victorias City very much.”
My wish is for Javi just to be yourself because you are enough. You are smart, and you are going to be a good leader. I'm sure of it. We are just here supporting you all day and don't ever forget that. And when you go around and meet people, absorbed, I hope you give them a piece of yourself to each person you will meet. We are just here for you all the time. I love you.
Javi's mother, Nikki, said, “I know how excited you are about this. And I wish you to continue to be humble and prayerful. Always be available to Victoriahanons, and good luck, and I love you. I will always be here for you.”
Javi, for his part, said, “I felt how deep is their love for me. Since day one and even before thinking of seeking this endeavor, my mom and Inday Sue have witnessed how I felt for this, how I went through the process until I decided and accepted the nomination of my party. With your support, anything is possible now. So I feel that I am very grateful to both of you, and rest assured that I will do my best, not only for myself, my family, but for the Victoriahanons, because I know that if I do that well, you will all be happy and proud of me.”