Bacolod: This city's Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez personally reiterated his support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. after the Visayan bloc in the House of Representatives issued a statement backing the administration.

According to Philippines News Agency, Benitez, who identifies as an independent member of the House, highlighted the importance of supporting the President's initiative to combat corruption within the bureaucracy. He emphasized the unprecedented nature of a sitting president investigating his own administration. "The reason why we're supporting this administration is because he's the only president in the history of the Philippines who is investigating his own administration. This has not happened before," Benitez stated during an interview held on the sidelines of the Terra Madre Asia and Pacific event.

On Tuesday, the Visayan bloc, convened by Benitez after a change in House leadership in September, expressed its "full support for Marcos and more importantly, for the anti-corruption crusade he began." The bloc emphasized that good governance is a moral obligation that transcends partisan interests. "We stand with the President because we stand with every Filipino who deserves honesty, transparency, and accountability in public service," they declared.

The statement also urged government colleagues and citizens to "reject distractions and political theatrics" and to "unite behind the reforms that strengthen our institutions, restore the people's trust, and deliver real change." The bloc conveyed its commitment to partnering with the President to make this period a pivotal moment for clean, accountable, and principled governance in the country.

Benitez noted that nearly 40 of the 50 representatives from the Visayas in the 20th Congress are part of the Visayan bloc. The group's primary focus is to advocate for increased allocation and resources for the Visayas region.