Ben Madilynn
BACOLOD City Mayor and Lone District Representative-elect Alfredo Abelardo Benitez will deliver his final State of the City Address (Soca) on June 28, 2025 at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) grounds.
Benitez said it will be a combination of Soca and turnover ceremony to the incoming administration led by mayor-elect and Congressman Greg Gasataya.
He said he already convened all the department heads to determine all the projects they implemented for the past three years, adding that they also discussed the pending projects that need to be implemented by the incoming new administration.
The mayor noted that they will turn over all the pertinent documents to the incoming mayor on the same day.
On June 20, Benitez will also take his oath as Lone District representative before Barangay 18 Captain Madeline Diaz, the oldest village chief in Bacolod City.
Benitez said Diaz has rendered 19 years of exemplary public service and earned the respect and trust of her constituents.
On Monday, June 2, Benitez also administered the oath of office of Abang Lingkod Partylist Representative-elect Manuel Frederick Ko, Bacolod City Vice Mayor-elect Councilor Claudio Puentevella, and reelected Councilor Jason Villarosa at the City Mayor’s Office.
Once he assumes his post as Lone District representative, Benitez said that he will temporarily hold his office near the BCGC while waiting for his permanent office at the BCGC’s legislative building or at the Old City Hall.
Meanwhile, as to the report that Benitez will be a contender for Speaker of the House, Benitez said that as of now, he has no plans yet to seek for the said position.
“That will be a choice of the colleagues of mine when the 20th Congress will convene. Whatever is best for the country and the House of Representatives that should be the guiding reason for whatever steps that we will take,” he said.
He added that for now, he has not done anything to seek that position.
Benitez said he moved to the congressional position to promote the interest of the City of Bacolod. (MAP)
Source: Bacolod mayor to deliver final Soca on June 28
