Benitez: The coalition may become a regional party
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Despite being term-limited as of this year’s midterm elections and succeeded in the House of Representatives by his brother, former Negros Occidental third district Rep. Alfredo Benitez continues to lead the chamber’s Visayan Bloc as chairman emeritus.
According to the former congressman, the group of 46 legislators, which has since grown with the addition of Antique lone district representative, former Senator Loren Legarda, may soon advance beyond Congress.
Benitez said the Visayan Bloc is looking to transform into a “regional political party,” with the name One Visayas, which would also include other local officials such as governors and mayors.
The former legislator currently serves as consultant for investment and economic enterprise for Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson./DGB, WDJ