Draft:Javi Benitez

Javi Benitez
Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Negros Occidental's 3rd District
Incumbent
Assumed office June 30, 2025
Preceded by	Jose Francisco Benitez
Mayor of Victorias City
In office June 30, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Preceded by	Francis Frederick Palanca
Succeeded by	Abelardo D. Bantug III
Personal details
Born	Javier Miguel Lopez Benitez (1994-10-08) October 8, 1994 Victorias City, Negros Occidental, Philippines
Political party	Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC)
Height	6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Parent(s)	Albee Benitez Dominique Lopez-Benitez
Relatives	Jose Francisco Benitez (uncle)
Residence(s)	Victorias City, Negros Occidental
Alma mater	Santa Clara University (BA)
Occupation	Politician, actor

Javier Miguel Lopez Benitez (born October 8, 1994), popularly known as Javi Benitez, is a Filipino politician, actor, and public servant who currently serves as the Representative of the 3rd District of Negros Occidental in the House of Representatives of the Philippines. He succeeded his uncle, Jose Francisco Benitez, who previously held the same position. Prior to his election to Congress in 2025, Benitez served as Mayor of Victorias City from 2022 to 2025.

Early life and education

Benitez was born in Victorias City, Negros Occidental, to a politican Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and Dominique “Nikki” Lopez-Benitez. He completed his secondary education at Xavier School and obtained a double major in Political Science and Computer Science from Santa Clara University in California, United States.

20th Congress and "House Hotshots"

In the 20th Congress, Benitez became associated with a group of young lawmakers informally dubbed the “House Hotshots,” alongside Andrew Julian Romualdez (Tingog Party-list), Brian Poe (FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list), and Ryan Recto (Batangas 6th district). With an average age of just over 29, the group garnered media attention for their youth and perceived promise.

Benitez, however, clarified that the moniker was not an official designation, quipping that he initially thought it signaled a boy band comeback. “It’s just a few of us young lawmakers trying to serve with purpose,” he wrote in a social media post. Despite the informal nickname, Benitez emphasized the group’s commitment to meaningful legislative work, stating, “Let’s earn it with action, not hype.”

Policy positions

Online gambling

On July 8, 2025, Benitez publicly opposed proposals for an outright ban on online gambling, warning that it could drive the industry underground and displace tens of thousands of workers. In a statement, he emphasized that over 40,000 Filipinos rely on jobs in the regulated online gambling sector for their livelihoods. He also pointed out that the industry generates more than ₱200 billion annually in government revenue, supporting essential public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

“Banning online gambling won’t make it disappear… it just sends it underground,” Benitez said, stressing that regulation ensures accountability, protects minors, and aids in identifying gambling addiction early. He cited the case of DigiPlus, which reportedly paid ₱33.7 billion in taxes, contributing significantly to national development programs.

Personal life

Benitez is the son of Bacolod City Representative and former mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez and Dominique “Nikki” Lopez-Benitez. He has a sister, Bettina Benitez, and is the nephew of Representative Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez.

In May 2025, Benitez issued a public statement regarding the controversy involving his father and actress Ivana Alawi. In a Facebook post, he expressed hope that his parents would maintain mutual respect and understanding, both as co-parents and as a married couple.

Benitez was previously in a long-term relationship with actress Sue Ramirez. In November 2024, he confirmed their breakup, stating in an Instagram post that although they had built a meaningful relationship over five years, they had parted ways several months earlier.