Benitez wants special election for Iggy's post

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Representative Alfredo “Albee” Benitez (3rd district, Negros Occidental) yesterday said he will file a resolution urging House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte to speed up the House’s decision on what to do with the vacancy in the 5th District left vacated with the death of Rep. Iggy Arroyo. 

Belmonte earlier said a special election is unlikely, and he will just appoint a caretaker of the 5th District, possibly from congressmen of the neighboring districts.

Benitez however said he would prefer a special election to fill the vacancy because the result of the election will reflect the actual representation of the people in that district.

Other congressmen around the country were also inclined to have a special election for a new representative instead of naming a caretaker for the district, said Benitez.

He said the House leadership should act on the matter as soon as possible because there is now a vacuum and the constituents of the 5th district have a hard time seeking congressional assistance.

Iggy, the lawmaker, died last Jan. 26 in a London hospital where he was treated as an outpatient for cirrhosis.

Benitez said that the House has first to declare the 5th district seat vacant before the Comelec can decide on a special election. It would cost about P5 million to P7 million to hold a special election but Benitez said the most important thing would be that whoever takes over truly represents the people in the 5th district.

He said Rep. Mercedes Alvarez (6th district) and Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer (4th district) have expressed willingness to take care of Iggy’s district but the people there deserve someone of their choice.

There is still more than a year before the 2013 elections and Iggy’s projects has to be continued for the benefit of his constituents, Benitez added. - THE FREEMAN