Incoming Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez vowed to be fair and just, and to lead by example in his inaugural speech on Wednesday, June 29.

Benitez took his oath before his uncle Rep. Francisco Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) at inauguration rites at the Victorias City Sports and Amusement Center.

The other Victorias officials who also took their oaths were vice mayor-elect Abelardo Bantug III, and incoming councilors Francis Frederick “Derek” Palanca, Teresita Sta. Ana Bartolome, Deilen Tornea Hofileña, Hermie Millan, Dino Acuña, Warlito Undar, Dexter Senido, Danilo de Asis, Virginia Adorio and Aaudie Malaga. 

Benitez, 27, said although he will be the youngest mayor ever of Victorias City, “my youth will be my strength rather than my weakness”.

“I will set high expectations for each performance as I commit the same for myself,” the new Victorias mayor said, but assured that  he will not demand  what he will  not do himself.

As mayor he will carry out the six point agenda he promised the people of Victorias City during the campaign, he said.

Priority will be given to a dignified human settlement that will provide affordable housing for Victoriahanons, and on ensuring that the city’s barangays become disaster resilient, Benitez said.

Benitez said he will also boost the local economy by creating alternative livelihoods, and ensure swift and responsive services to the people of Victorias.

Priority will also be given to education and the health of the Victoriahanons, he added.

He  rallied the people of Victorias to join their new city officials in working to upgrade Victorias City.

“Today, at this time and place, let us start afresh,” he said. 

He said the office of the mayor will be open to suggestions from residents on how to further improve the city government’s services.

The city government will be there for the people of Victorias, he said.

He was joined by his father Bacolod mayor-elect Alfredo “Albee” Benitez, mother Dominique Lopez Benitez, sister Bettina Marie and girlfriend actress Sue Ramirez at the inauguration rites.

Ramirez, in an interview, thanked the people of Victorias for their trust in their new mayor, and assured that he will not let them down.

“I’m very, very proud of him,” she said.*