By CESAR JOLITO III

Bacolod City Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has denied any political or business ties to the owner of Legacy Construction Corporation, the country’s top contractor handling a significant portion of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood control projects.

In a radio interview, Benitez clarified that he has no connection to Alex Abelido, a native of Negros Occidental’s Victorias City, who owns Legacy Construction.

The company has reportedly cornered around 22 percent or about P100 billion worth of flood control projects nationwide, and is said to have been awarded contracts totaling more than P545 billion since 2022.

Benitez stressed that while Abelido hails from his home province and is known as the son of a former Victorias Milling Company executive, they are neither relatives nor personal acquaintances.

He also emphasized that Abelido had never supported him politically.

“Wala ako kaangtanan sa iya, kag indi man siya nagsuporta sa akon sa pulitika,” Benitez said, addressing speculation linking him to the firm.

The congressman added that Legacy Construction operates legally, with complete licenses and documentation.

The firm has also undertaken several major infrastructure projects in Bacolod and Negros Occidental, including the new legislative building and the Bacolod City General Hospital.

According to Benitez, these projects underwent proper bidding and complied with all legal processes.

The clarification comes amid growing scrutiny over flood control projects across the country, with calls for greater transparency in DPWH’s procurement process./CJ, WDJ