BACOLOD CITY — Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel "Javi" Benitez announced that he will run as representative of the third district of Negros Occidental in the 2025 elections. He said this during the Padayon Assembly at the Victorias City Coliseum on Friday. His plan to run for Congress is supported by Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) Director General Francisco Benitez and Bacolod Mayor Albee Benitez, Javi's father. More than 8,000 leaders from the third district of Negros Occidental attended the assembly. Nikki, the mayor's mother, was also present to support the political plans of his son. The third district of Negros Occidental is currently represented by Abang Lingkod Party-List Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano as caretaker after Francisco Benitez, Javi's uncle, was appointed as Tesda chief last month. "I am absolutely ready to continue the legacy of the Benitez family in the Third District. I am ready to do more," said the Victorias City mayor. The event was also attended by EB Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon, Talisay City Mayor Neil Lizares and former Silay City mayor Mark Golez. Paduano and Murcia Mayor Gerry Rojas, however, were not present. After the announcement, the outgoing Victorias City mayor signed his certificate of candidacy (CoC) during a press conference. The filing of CoC, however, is set in the first week of October. The mayor, who described leaving Victorias City as bittersweet, has endorsed incumbent Vice Mayor Abelardo Bantug III as his successor. He said Bantug has committed to continue the projects and programs in the city started by Benitez. "The decision to run for Congress was a decision I made in consultation with his family, including his girlfriend Sue Ramirez, who all supported my decision," he said. "How can one public servant like me, inspired by such leadership, say no to that legacy? I am ready to continue the legacy. I am prepared to forge ahead." The Benitez clan has served Victorias City and the third district of Negros Occidental for seven generations now, he said. "And as I am the youngest Benitez in public service today, I know that expectations are high for me," the 30-year-old Benitez said. "Among my top priorities when elected as congressman will be climate resiliency and education reform." He will run under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, the political party led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The third district of Negros Occidental covers Victorias City, Silay City, Talisay City and the towns of Murcia and EB Magalona. It has a population of 482,646 and a voting population of 313,671 as of 2022.