By CESAR JOLITO III
Bacolod City Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez expressed support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., highlighting the President’s unprecedented move to investigate alleged corruption within his own administration.
In a media interview during the opening of the Terra Madre Asia and Pacific at the Negros Occidental Capitol Park and Lagoon yesterday, Benitez questioned Senator Imee Marcos’ motives behind her recent public accusations.
“I do not know whether everything being said is true or not, but for her to do it publicly begs the question of its purpose. This could have been addressed privately within the family, but making it public at a massive rally raises concerns about intent,” Benitez said.
He noted that the issues raised are not new, pointing out that former President Rodrigo Duterte had previously addressed similar matters.
“It has been out there for quite some time, so I don’t think it’s enough to significantly affect the president,” the Bacolod representative said, downplaying the issues’ potential effect on Marcos Jr.
Referring to the Visayan bloc, which he leads, Benitez emphasized their continued support for the administration.
“The reason we support this administration is that he is the only president in Philippine history investigating his own administration. His allies and friends are being scrutinized, which shows the character of the president and his sincerity in eradicating corruption,” Benitez said.
He stressed the unprecedented nature of the current investigation compared to previous administrations, noting.
“Even under former President Noynoy Aquino, some officials were imprisoned, but nothing on this scale has happened. What is unfolding now is of unprecedented magnitude, and for that reason, the President deserves support,” he said.
He also addressed political dynamics within Congress, highlighting that some loyalists of the former House Speaker are pushing for continuity rather than reform.
“We are promoting change, which is why I did not support the re-election of former Speaker [Martin] Romualdez. There are issues with the way the 19th Congress has been run,” Benitez explained.
Currently, 45 out of approximately 50 Visayan bloc congressmen have expressed support for President Marcos Jr., Benitez added./CJ, WDJ