By CESAR JOLITO III

Bacolod City Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez welcomed the leadership change in the House of Representatives yesterday, saying it is the “best way to move forward” amid mounting controversies hounding the chamber.

With 253 votes, Isabela 6th District Representative Faustino “Bojie” Dy III was elected as the new speaker yesterday.

Benitez, who has long pushed for a revamp in the Lower House, said the shake-up would help restore credibility following allegations of corruption in the government’s flood control projects, including supposed budget insertions tied to Leyte 1st District Representative Speaker Martin Romualdez, who resigned as House Speaker.

“That’s a good move. That is probably the best way to move forward para at least makita natin at mahanap ang mga katotohanan sa problema that’s rocking the House,” Benitez told reporters yesterday.

He underscored the need for a “new image” in the House leadership to address public distrust and to ensure transparency in the handling of funds.

Benitez and his son, Negros Occidental 3rd District Representative Javier Miguel Benitez, voted for Dy as the new speaker of the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon.

Negros Occidental 6th District Mercedes Alvarez also voted for the Isabela representative.

Meanwhile, on questions of possible reassignments in key committees and deputy speakerships, Benitez said he would defer to the decision of the new Speaker.

“Hintayin natin kung ano ang magiging desisyon ng bagong Speaker — may mga issues tayo doon — at ano ang gagawin niya,” he added.

Earlier, Benitez noted that he did not support Romualdez’s bid for speakership from the outset.

These concerns include controversial “ghost” flood control projects, questionable budget allocations, and a lack of transparency in the budget process./CJ, WDJ