FORMER Third District congressman Alfredo Benitez still leads the Visayan Bloc in congress.
Benitez said he is now the chairman emeritus of the Visayan Bloc, which has expanded its membership to 46 congressmen.
"They want that I will maintain my presence and circulation, that's why I am cairman emeritus," Benitez explained.
The newest member is former senator and now Rep. Loren Legarda of Antique.
The Visayan Bloc was just a small group before led by its convenors with Benitez and it has now a multiparty membership.
Benitez also said they will pursue plans to transform the Visayan Bloc into a regional political party to be named One Visayas that would include local officials like governors and mayors as members.
We already have deep political alliance so we will formalize to make it a regional political party, Benitez said.
Benitez who just ended his term on June 30 has been hired by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson as consultant for Investment and Economic Enterprise.
He said he will study the past and present projects of the province to determine where improvements may be introduced.
Benitez's is offering pro bono consultancy services. (Teresa D. Ellera)