LP strips Negros Occidental chair of his functions

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Negros Occidental third district Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez revealed that he was stripped of his functions as provincial chairman of the Liberal Party.

"As of now, I think it's Lito (former governor Rafael Coscolluela) who is signing the certificate of nomination and acceptance (of candidates)," Benitez said. "It's an authority I would gladly have him to," he added.

When pressed for an answer if he relinquished his function, the congressman said: "He (Coscolluela) was given the authority (to sign the CONA)."

Coscolluela, a Capitol consultant, was designated by Roxas to do a parallel campaign for his presidential bid in the civil society in Negros Occidental.

Benitez clarified that he is still with the administration party, "I didn't resign," he said although he had been very elusive to the media in the past months. He was absent in few engagements of the administration party for its standard bearer Mar Roxas.

The first one was when Roxas declared his presidential bid in July, then the gathering of friends in Cebu in August, and finally during Roxas' sortie in Negros Occidental in September.

Benitez was also reportedly absent during the announcement of LP's vice presidential bet, Camarines Sur Representative Leni Robredo, on October 5.

Benitez has yet to announce on who he will endorse for president, although, unconfirmed reports said he is allegedly backing the bid of Senator Grace Poe.

The congressman said he will make the announcement "very soon," adding that the people of Negros will be the first to know about his decision.