Benitez bloc bolts LP

THE head of the influential Visayas bloc in the House of Representatives, together with a number of local officials, bolted the ruling Liberal Party (LP) after the party leadership junked its members in favor of rival politicians in the province of Negros.

Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez, one of the richest members of Congress and an LP provincial chairman, said he will run as an independent candidate for reelection next year after confirming that the LP had abandoned mayoral bets who are loyal to him.