By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said Abang Lingkod Partylist Rep. Stephen Paduano is the logical choice to serve as caretaker of the third congressional district.
This came after the House of Representatives, during their regular session on Wednesday afternoon, designated Paduano as caretaker of the district, vacated by Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Benitez.
Benitez was appointed Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on August 16, 2024.
“He is very familiar with the area and its people,” Lacson told reporters on Thursday.
The governor emphasized that Paduano, a native of E.B. Magalona town, which is part of the third district, is the best person to continue Benitez’s projects and programs.
Paduano is also a close political ally of Benitez and his older brother, Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez.
Earlier, Rep. Benitez, who was in his second term as lawmaker, had recommended to House Speaker Martin Romualdez that Paduano be appointed as his district’s caretaker.
In an official statement posted on his social media page, Benitez said he welcomes the designation of Congressman Joseph Stephen “Caraps” Paduano of the Abang Lingkod Partylist as the legislative caretaker of the Third District of Negros Occidental.
“We thank and applaud Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Majority Leader Manuel Jose ‘Mannix’ Dalipe for their excellent choice and support,” Benitez added.
He further expressed full confidence in Paduano’s ability to represent the best interests of the district.
“I trust that he will diligently oversee and monitor the implementation, progress, and completion of the projects and programs I started, ensuring our shared vision for the district is fulfilled until the end of the 19th Congress in June 2024,” Benitez said.
