Mayor-elect Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez named the incoming Victorias City administrator and legal officer on Saturday, June 25.

They are lawyers Lindolf de Castro from Manila and Meddie Arbolado Jr. from Bacolod City, Benitez said in an interview.

De Castro, a graduate of the University of the Philippines Dilliman College of Law, will be the city administrator and Arbolado will be the city legal officer.

Benitez said De Castro worked under former Executive Secretary Pacquito Ochoa during the Aquino administration.

“I’m very delighted that he is taking on the task as city administrator even though he is not from the area. Administration work is minimal politics and maximum governance. I want that he focus on administration and leave the politics to the elected officials,” Benitez said.

Arbolado will be given authority to practice law but he has agreed not to take on any new clients so he can focus on the Victorias government, Benitez added.

He is also appointing an executive assistant for finance, Benitez said.

Benitez said he will also reorganize certain structures of the city government, especially the Bids and Awards Committee, and introduce new councils for rainforest and coastal management.

A transportation master plan will also be made, he said

Benitez, and the rest of the elected Victorias City officials, will hold their inauguration and oath-taking rites at the Victorias City Sports and Amusement Center on Wednesday afternoon, June 29.*