Caretaker rep for 3rd congressional district to be named

A caretaker will fill up the vacancy left by the appointment of Rep. Francisco Benitez who was appointed as the new head of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said a caretaker representative will be assigned to manage the third district and “it is highly possible that the Speaker of the House (Martin Romualdez) will be it,” Lacson said.

“Personally, I believe Cong. (Caraps) Paduano would be a logical choice because of his familiarity with the district,” the governor also said.

For Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, “only another congressman can be caretaker of the district.” To the question as to who will be the caretaker, the younger Benitez said it will be the choice of the Speaker.

Cong. Francisco Bdnitez’ brother, Bacolod City Mayor Albee on Saturday said “a caretaker will most likely be appointed as it is already near the election.”

“The Speaker will likely be the caretaker unless he appoints someone else,” the mayor said.

The turnover will be on Monday.

The appointment of Benitez to TESDA was announced on Friday that was welcomed by leaders of the province.

The elder Benitez clarified that their family “did not lobby for the post.”

“The education stakeholders made a recommendation and endorsement. They know the capacity of Cong. Kiko,” he said.* (EYA)