Javi Benitez
Javi Benitez | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Official portrait, 2025 | |
| Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Negros Occidental's 3rd District | |
| Assumed office June 30, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Jose Francisco Benitez |
| Mayor of Victorias | |
| 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 |
| Political party | NPC |
| Parent |
|
| Relatives | Jose Francisco Benitez (uncle) |
| Occupation | Politician |
Javier Miguel "Javi" Lopez Benitez is a Filipino politician 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. Prior to his election to Congress in 2025, Benitez served as Mayor of Victorias from 2022 to 2025.
Early life
[edit]Benitez is the son of Bacolod representative and former mayor Albee Benitez and Nikki Lopez-Benitez.[1] He is the nephew of TESDA director general and former representative Jose Francisco Benitez.
20th Congress
[edit]In the 20th Congress, Benitez became associated with a group of young lawmakers informally dubbed the “House Hotshots,” alongside Andrew Julian Romualdez, Brian Poe, and Ryan Recto. With an average age of just over 29, the group garnered media attention for their youth and perceived promise.[1]
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.” [2]
In the first month of Benitez's term, he has principally authored 44 house bills.[3]
Policy positions
[edit]Online gambling
[edit]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.[4]
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.[4]
“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.[4]
Personal life
[edit]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.[5]
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.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Quismorio, Ellson (2025-07-09). "Meet the 'House Hotshots'; find out what they have in common". Manila Bulletin.
- ^ Quismorio, Ellson (July 10, 2025). "'Akala ko boy band': Javi Benitez, 'House Hotshots' out to prove their worth". Manila Bulletin.
- ^ Congress, 20th. "Javi Benitez". 20th Congress. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ a b c Lalu, Gabriel Pabico (2025-07-08). "Banning online gambling could send it underground – Benitez". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
- ^ Valderrama, Evangeline (May 31, 2025). "Javi Benitez breaks silence on father Albee's alleged affair with Ivana Alawi". Inquirer.net.
- ^ Acar, Aedrianne (November 10, 2024). "Javi Benitez announces breakup with Sue Ramirez". GMA Network.