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{{short description|Filipino politician and businessman}}
{{Multiple issues|{{peacock|date=October 2017}}{{pov|date=October 2017}}}}
{{Philippine name|Bantug|Benitez}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2021}}
{{Infobox Officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific-prefix = [[Honorable]]
| name = Albee Benitez
| name = Albee Benitez
| image =Albee Benitez.jpg
| image = Rep. Albee Benitez - 17th Congress.jpg
| caption =
| imagesize = 220px
<!-- -->
| caption = <!-- -->
| order =
| order =
| office = 43rd [[Mayor of Bacolod]]
| office = Member of the [[House of Representatives of the Philippines|Philippine House of Representatives]] from [[Legislative districts of Negros Occidental#3rd District|Negros Occidental's Third District]]
| term_start = June 30, 2010
| 1blankname = {{nowrap|Vice Mayor}}
| term_end =
| 1namedata = El Cid Familiaran
| predecessor = Jose V. Lacson
| term_start = June 30, 2022
| successor =
| term_end =
| birth_name =Alfredo Abelardo Bantug Benitez
| predecessor = [[Evelio Leonardia]]
| office1 = Member of the <br>[[Philippine House of Representatives]]<br> from [[Negros Occidental's 3rd congressional district|Negros Occidental's 3rd district]]
| term_start1 = June 30, 2010
| term_end1 = June 30, 2019
| predecessor1 = Jose Carlos V. Lacson
| successor1 = [[Jose Francisco Benitez]]
| birth_name = Alfredo Abelardo Bantug Benitez<ref group="fn" name="sur"/>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1966|12|20}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1966|12|20}}
| birth_place = [[Palo Alto, California|Palto]], [[California]], United States
| birth_place = [[Palo Alto, California]], U.S.
| residence = {{bulleted list|[[Victorias]], Negros Occidental|Mandalagan, [[Bacolod]]}}
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| party =
| party =
| otherparty = [[Partido Demokratiko Pilipino|PDP–Laban / PDP]] (2016–2024)<br>[[Independent politician|Independent]] (2015–2016)<br>[[Liberal Party (Philippines)|Liberal]] (2010–2015)<br>[[Nationalist People's Coalition|NPC]] (2009–2010)
| spouse = Dominique Lopez
| relations =
| occupation = Politician
| children = 2
| profession = Businessman
| signature =
| alma_mater = [[La Salle Green Hills]]<br>[[College of William and Mary]]
| website = {{URL|https://2022.albeebenitez.ph/}}
| occupation = Politician, businessman
| profession =
| footnotes =
| alma_mater = [[College of William & Mary]] ([[Bachelor of Science|BS]])
| signature =
}}
| website = {{URL|www.albeebenitez.ph}}
'''Alfredo Abelardo''' "'''Albee'''" '''Bantug Benitez'''{{#tag:ref|Although Albee Benitez was born in the United States of America, his official documents possess his mother's maiden name which is Bantug.|group = fn|name = sur}} (born December 20, 1966) is a Filipino politician and businessman serving as the [[mayor of Bacolod]] since 2022. He served three consecutive terms as the [[House of Representatives of the Philippines|representative]] of [[Negros Occidental's 3rd congressional district|Negros Occidental's 3rd district]]
| footnotes =
from 2010 to 2019, and was one of the richest congressmen in the Philippines.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/focus/05/21/15/who-are-richest-congressmen|title=Who are richest congressmen|date=May 21, 2015|work=ABS-CBN News}}</ref><ref name="billionaire">{{cite news|last=Cabico|first=Gaea Katreena|title=Who's who: Richest, poorest House lawmakers in 2018|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/06/14/1926445/whos-who-richest-poorest-house-lawmakers-2018|accessdate=October 21, 2019|publisher=The Philippine Star|date=June 14, 2019|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190619212806/http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/06/14/1926445/whos-who-richest-poorest-house-lawmakers-2018|archivedate=June 19, 2019|location=Manila}}</ref>
}}{{Philippine name|Bantug|Benitez}}


Benitez started his business career by establishing Bingo Bonanza Corp. in 1993.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.albeebenitez.ph/about-cong-albee|title=About Cong Albee|website=Albee Benitez|date=July 29, 2016}}</ref> He is credited with creating numerous television programs such as ''Game Changer'' for [[ABS-CBN News Channel|ANC]] and the variety shows ''[[Sunday Noontime Live!]]'' and ''[[Tropang LOL]]'' for [[TV5 (Philippine TV network)|TV5]] among others.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|last=Red|first=Isah V.|url=https://manilastandard.net/?p=213658|title='Game Changer Philippines' launches 4th season|date=August 18, 2016|website=[[Manila Standard]]}}</ref> He also briefly operated the online [[cockfight]]ing (e-sabong) company Visayas Cockers Club Inc. under the brand Sabong International PH prior to President [[Rodrigo Duterte]]'s nationwide ban on e-sabong operations in May 2022.
'''Alfredo Abelardo Bantug Benitez''' also known as '''Albee Benitez''' (Dec 20, 1966) is a Filipino [[Businessperson|businessman]] and politician who serves as a [[congressman]] of the 3<sup>rd</sup> District of [[Negros Occidental]], [[Philippines]]. He is also the 3<sup>rd</sup> richest congressman in the Philippines.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/focus/05/21/15/who-are-richest-congressmen|title=Who are richest congressmen|last=|first=|date=May 21, 2015|work=ABS-CBN News|access-date=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=}}</ref>


==Biography==
Born and raised at [[Palo Alto, California]], Benitez started his career on 2010 as a congressman<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.albeebenitez.ph/about-cong-albee|title=About Cong Albee|last=|first=|date=|website=Albee Benitez|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref>. He was behind the concept of the weekend television show named ''Game Changer'' that was aired at the ANC<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://thestandard.com.ph/showbitz/simply-red-by-isah-v-red/213658/-game-changer-philippines-launches-4th-season.html|title=Game Changer philippines launches 4th season|last=|first=|date=August 18, 2016|website=The Standard|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref>.
{{BLP sources section|date=August 2022}}
Benitez was born on December 20, 1966, in [[Palo Alto, California]] to Jose Conrado Benitez and Betty Bantug, both from Negros Occidental. He went to [[La Salle Green Hills]] for primary and secondary education. He then enrolled at the [[College of William & Mary]] in [[Williamsburg, Virginia]] and completed a mathematics degree.


Benitez is a former national athlete. He became secretary general of the Philippine Badminton Association in 2011.<ref>{{cite news|author=JVP|title=Binay supports teenage shuttler Alcala's Olympic dream|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/content/221264/binay-supports-teenage-shuttler-alcala-s-olympic-dream/story/|access-date=July 11, 2024|work=[[GMA News Online]]|publisher=[[GMA Network]]|date=May 21, 2011}}</ref> He is the founder of Betty Bantug Benitez Foundation, Inc. in 1982, and the Kaayong Lawas Foundation Hospital.<ref name=":0" />
== Biography ==
Benitez was born on December 20, 1966 at Palo Alto, California. He was a son of Jose Condrado and Betty Bantug Benitez. His primary and secondary education was at [[La Salle Green Hills]], Manila while his college education was at [[College of William & Mary|William & Mary College]] in [[Williamsburg, Virginia]] major in Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. Benitez had 2 children along with his spouse Dominique Lopez Benitez living at [[Victorias|Victorias City, Negros Occidental]]. His sport was [[Water skiing|waterski]], he’s a former national team player, a silver medalist in 1984 at [[Southeast Asian Games|South East Asian (SEA) game]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2017}} He was the founder of Betty Bantug Benitez Foundation, Inc., and Kaayong Lawas Foundation Hospital.<ref name=":0" />


Benitez resides in [[Victorias|Victorias City, Negros Occidental]], but also maintains a residence in [[Bacolod]]. He has been married to Dominique Lopez since 1993, and has two children, including Victorias mayor Javier Miguel "Javi" Benitez.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Delilan |first1=Edwin |title=Annulment buzz involving Albee Benitez, wife causes ripples in Bacolod |url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/albee-benitez-wife-annulment-buzz-ripples-bacolod/ |accessdate=February 13, 2024 |publisher=Rappler |date=February 5, 2024}}</ref>
== Politics ==
Benitez joined the politics last 2010 as a congressman of the 3<sup>rd</sup> district of Negros Occidental and a representative at the house congress. As a congressman, he passed the Sugarcane Industry Development Act and Landmark legislation that supports to sugarcane farmers. He also implemented a scholarship program.{{Citation needed|date=October 2017}}


In 2024, Benitez publicly apologized after images emerged online of him and actress [[Ivana Alawi]] at an airport in [[Tokyo]], fueling speculation of a relationship. Benitez had previously said that he had received an annulment of his marriage to his wife several years prior, which Lopez denied.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Delilan |first1=Edwin |title=Bacolod mayor apologizes to Ivana Alawi amid noise over Tokyo encounter |url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/bacolod-mayor-albee-benitez-apologizes-ivana-alawi-amid-noise-tokyo-encounter-february-12-2024/ |accessdate=February 13, 2024 |publisher=Rappler |date=February 13, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url= https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/2024/2/12/bacolod-mayor-apologizes-to-ivana-alawi-846| title= Bacolod mayor apologizes to Ivana Alawi|first=Josh|last=Mercado|website=[[ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs]]|date=February 12, 2024}}</ref>
He had involvement in the implementation of various projects in Negros Occidental such as the Tourism Highway and Loop of Silay, the continuous upgrade and beautification of [[Bacolod–Silay Airport|Bacolod-Silay International Airport]] roads, and the construction of other bridges and barangay hall buildings. He was also notable for his implemented of some house bills at the congress including House Resolution No. 5237, House Resolution No. 875, proposed admin capital city planning act, House Bill no. 85, House Bill no. 84, House Bill no. 82.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.albeebenitez.ph/bills-and-resolutions-filed-congressman-alfredo-abelardo-b-benitez|title=bills-and-resolutions-filed-congressman-alfredo-abelardo-b-benitez|last=|first=|date=|website=Albee Benitez|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref>


== Filmography ==
==Politics==
Benitez joined Philippine politics in 2010; he was elected congressman of the [[Legislative districts of Negros Occidental|3rd district of Negros Occidental]] and a representative at the House of Congress. He held a satellite congressional office at the [[Talisay, Negros Occidental|City of Talisay]]. As a congressman, he helped draft and oversee the passing of the Sugarcane Industry Development Act, a piece of landmark legislation that supports sugarcane farmers. He also implemented a scholarship program.{{Citation needed|date=October 2017}}
Benitez made a guest appearances in shows and events at some films and television. His well-known television show was the ''Game Changer'' which is aired at [[ABS-CBN News Channel|ANC]] every Sunday. Benitez also guested in many interviews.

He was also involved in the implementation of various projects in Negros Occidental, such as the Tourism Highway and Loop of Silay, upgrade and beautification of [[Bacolod–Silay Airport|Bacolod-Silay International Airport]] roads, and the construction of other bridges and barangay hall buildings. He was also notable for his implemented of some house bills at the congress including House Resolution No. 5237, House Resolution No. 875, proposed admin capital city planning act, House Bill no. 85, House Bill no. 84, House Bill no. 82.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.albeebenitez.ph/bills-and-resolutions-filed-congressman-alfredo-abelardo-b-benitez|title=bills-and-resolutions-filed-congressman-alfredo-abelardo-b-benitez|website=Albee Benitez}}</ref> Benitez initiated the [[Silay]] [[Negros Occidental]] [[Convention Center]] project near the [[Bacolod-Silay Airport]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Guadalquiver |first1=Nanette |title=NegOcc poised to become convention hub with landmark facility|url= https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1228847|accessdate=July 13, 2024 |work=[[Philippine News Agency]] |date=July 12, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1= Adiong|first1= Eugene |title=P1-B convention center to rise in Silay City|url= https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/07/13/regions/p1-b-convention-center-to-rise-in-silay-city/1956939|accessdate=July 13, 2024 |publisher= [[The Manila Times]]|date=July 13, 2024}}</ref>

Benitez completed his three-term limit in 2019. His younger brother, Jose Francisco "Kiko" Benitez, was elected as his successor.<ref name="farewell">{{cite news |last1=Canet |first1=Carla |title=Albee Benitez bids farewell |url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1811926 |accessdate=October 21, 2019 |publisher=SunStar Bacolod |date=June 28, 2019 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630003136/https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1811926 |archivedate=June 30, 2019}}</ref>

In June 2019, Negros Occidental governor [[Eugenio Jose Lacson]] appointed Benitez as the provincial government's consultant for economics and investments. He was serving ''[[pro bono]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Yasa |first1=Dolly |title=Ex-congressman is now Capitol consultant |url=https://dailyguardian.com.ph/ex-congressman-is-now-capitol-consultant-2/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |agency=Daily Guardian |date=July 1, 2019 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822101338/https://dailyguardian.com.ph/ex-congressman-is-now-capitol-consultant-2/ |archivedate=August 22, 2020 |location=Bacolod}}</ref>

In October 5, 2021, Benitez changed his voter address from [[Victorias]] to [[Bacolod]] and officially announced to run for [[Mayor of Bacolod]] against incumbent Mayor and rival [[Evelio Leonardia]] on [[2022 Bacolod local elections|May 9, 2022]] elections.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ex-NegOcc solon eyes Bacolod mayoral seat with 'unity ticket' |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155698 |access-date=2022-04-05 |website=www.pna.gov.ph }}</ref> In March 26, 2022, Benitez formally launched his campaign, together with his slate known as Team Asenso or Grupo Asenso, a [[PDP-Laban]] led-coalition.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-27 |title='Tumandok' vs 'pangayaw' in heated Bacolod City mayoral race |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/elections/tumandok-pangayaw-heated-bacolod-city-mayoral-race-2022/ |access-date=2022-04-05 |website=RAPPLER |language=en-US}}</ref>

On May 10, 2022, the Commission on Elections declared Benitez as elected Mayor of Bacolod.

==Business career==
In 1993, Benitez established Bingo Bonanza Corp. (later AB Leisure Exponent), which operates bingo establishments in shopping malls in the Philippines.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ramos|first=Elaine S.|title=Bingo Bonanza denies merger talks with BW|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kGYVAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA122|access-date=July 11, 2024|work=[[Manila Standard]]|publisher=Kamahalan Publishing Corporation|date=July 1999|page=5}}</ref> In later years, Benitez would become the majority owner and chairman of the gaming firm Leisure & Resorts World Corporation (LRWC), which acquired Bingo Bonanza in October 1999.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/series/things-to-know-albee-benitez-brightlight-productions|title=What you need to know about Albee Benitez and Brightlight Productions|date=October 18, 2020|work=Rappler|access-date=January 22, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Lee|first=Lovely Nica P.|title=Casino operator to co-develop Cagayan airport|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/content/96017/casino-operator-to-co-develop-cagayan-airport/story/|access-date=July 11, 2024|work=[[GMA News Online]]|publisher=[[GMA Network]]|date=May 19, 2008|location=[[Manila]], Philippines}}</ref> He also previously served as president of the said corporation.

In June 2021, his company Visayas Cockers Club Inc. received a license from the [[Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation]] (PAGCOR) to operate its online cockfighting (or "e-sabong") site and app under the brand Sabong International PH,<ref>{{cite web|author=Radyo Pilipinas|title=NegOr Rep. Teves, inaming sinubukang ipahinto ang operasyon laban sa E-sabong upang hindi aniya mapahiya ang gobyerno|url=https://www.facebook.com/radyopilipinas1/posts/pfbid02xkt2gJLYWsW7BFJgaTHDhKSKQiRZvPB7Z6ppCcW9tSSVtyf6LCUCpYMkXTXxNPaEl|website=[[Facebook]]|publisher=[[Meta Platforms|Meta Platforms, Inc.]]|access-date=July 11, 2024|language=Filipino|date=April 19, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Teves: E-sabong hard to stop, like porn|url=https://mb.com.ph/2023/4/17/teves-e-sabong-hard-to-stop-like-porn|access-date=July 11, 2024|work=[[Manila Bulletin]]|publisher=Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation|date=April 17, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Bilyonaryo.com|title=4-way fight! Pagcor grants E-Sabong licenses to Albee Benitez, Patrick Antonio|url=https://bilyonaryo.com/2021/07/04/4-way-fight-pagcor-grants-e-sabong-licenses-to-albee-benitez-patrick-antonio/|access-date=July 11, 2024|work=Bilyonaryo Business News|publisher=Prage Management Corp.|date=July 4, 2021|quote=The [[Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation|Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.]] (Pagcor) has added two more E-Sabong operators Bilyonaryo Albee Benitez's Sabong International PH (under Visayas Cockers Club)[...]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Bilyonaryo.com|title=Pagcor frets over 23 illegal operators as E-Sabong popularity soars|url=https://bilyonaryo.com/2021/09/01/pagcor-frets-over-23-illegal-operators-as-e-sabong-popularity-soars/business/|access-date=July 11, 2024|work=Bilyonaryo Business News|publisher=Prage Management Corp.|date=September 1, 2021|quote=The four legitimate E-Sabong operators: 'Pitmasters Live' under Lucky 8 Star Quest of Charlie 'Atong' Ang; 'Sabong Express' under Belvedere Vista of Bong Pineda; 'Sabong International PH' under Visayas Cockers Club of former congressman Albee Benitez;[...]}}</ref> though by May 2022, President [[Rodrigo Duterte]] ordered all e-sabong operations to be suspended.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ramos|first=Christia Marie|title=Duterte orders end to e-sabong|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1591451/breaking-duterte-oks-end-to-e-sabong|access-date=July 11, 2024|newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer|Inquirer News]]|publisher=The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc.|date=May 3, 2022|location=[[Manila]], Philippines}}</ref>

==Filmography==
Benitez made a guest appearances in shows and events at some films and television. His well-known television show was the ''Game Changer'' which is aired at [[ABS-CBN News Channel|ANC]] every Sunday. Benitez also guested in many interviews. He also founded and owns [[Brightlight Productions]], one of the blocktime partners of [[Cignal TV|Cignal Entertainment]] for [[TV5 (Philippine TV channel)|TV5]], which temporarily houses stars and talents of [[ABS-CBN]] and [[GMA Network]].
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
!Program
!Program
Line 48: Line 75:
!Remarks
!Remarks
|-
|-
|''Game Changer''
| ''Game Changer''
|[[ABS-CBN (TV network)|ABS-CBN]]
| [[ABS-CBN]]
|Benitez created this show to highlight innovations, game changing events, inventions, ideas and an acquisition that can change the life of each individuals. The show was first aired in 2014.<ref name=":1" />
| Benitez created this show to highlight useful innovations and ideas. The show was first aired in 2014 and it was the first [[Brightlight Productions]] program.<ref name=":1" />
|-
| ''[[Sunday Noontime Live!]]''
| [[TV5 (Philippine TV channel)|TV5]]
| Creator / Producer under Brightlight Productions
|-
| ''[[I Got You (TV program)|I Got You]]''
| [[TV5 (Philippine TV channel)|TV5]]
| Creator / Producer under Brightlight Productions
|-
| ''[[Sunday 'Kada]]''
| [[TV5 (Philippine TV channel)|TV5]]
| Creator / Producer under Brightlight Productions
|-
| ''[[Lunch Out Loud]]''
| [[TV5 (Philippine TV channel)|TV5]]
| Creator / Producer under Brightlight Productions
|-
| ''Serbisyo Pilipinas''
| PHTV
| Creator / Producer under Brightlight Productions; The new public service program in over the Philippines
|-
| ''[[Rated K]]orina''
| [[TV5 (Philippine TV channel)|TV5]]
| Creator / Producer under Brightlight Productions
|-
| ''[[Oh My Dad!]]''
| [[TV5 (Philippine TV channel)|TV5]]
| Creator / Producer under Brightlight Productions
|-
|}
|}


== References ==
==Notes==
{{reflist|group=fn}}

==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Benitez, Albee}}
[[Category:1966 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:21st-century Filipino politicians]]
[[Category:College of William & Mary alumni]]
[[Category:Filipino chief executives]]
[[Category:Members of the House of Representatives of the Philippines from Negros Occidental]]
[[Category:People from Negros Occidental]]
[[Category:People from Negros Occidental]]
[[Category:Filipino politicians]]
[[Category:People in the games industry]]
[[Category:Television series by Brightlight Productions]]

Latest revision as of 13:57, 22 December 2024

In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Bantug and the surname or paternal family name is Benitez.

Honorable
Albee Benitez
43rd Mayor of Bacolod
Incumbent
Assumed office
June 30, 2022
Vice MayorEl Cid Familiaran
Preceded byEvelio Leonardia
Member of the
Philippine House of Representatives
from Negros Occidental's 3rd district
In office
June 30, 2010 – June 30, 2019
Preceded byJose Carlos V. Lacson
Succeeded byJose Francisco Benitez
Personal details
Born
Alfredo Abelardo Bantug Benitez[fn 1]

(1966-12-20) December 20, 1966 (age 58)
Palo Alto, California, U.S.
Other political
affiliations		PDP–Laban / PDP (2016–2024)
Independent (2015–2016)
Liberal (2010–2015)
NPC (2009–2010)
Residences
Alma materCollege of William & Mary (BS)
OccupationPolitician
ProfessionBusinessman
Website2022.albeebenitez.ph

Alfredo Abelardo "Albee" Bantug Benitez[fn 1] (born December 20, 1966) is a Filipino politician and businessman serving as the mayor of Bacolod since 2022. He served three consecutive terms as the representative of Negros Occidental's 3rd district from 2010 to 2019, and was one of the richest congressmen in the Philippines.[1][2]

Benitez started his business career by establishing Bingo Bonanza Corp. in 1993.[3] He is credited with creating numerous television programs such as Game Changer for ANC and the variety shows Sunday Noontime Live! and Tropang LOL for TV5 among others.[4] He also briefly operated the online cockfighting (e-sabong) company Visayas Cockers Club Inc. under the brand Sabong International PH prior to President Rodrigo Duterte's nationwide ban on e-sabong operations in May 2022.

Biography

[edit]

Benitez was born on December 20, 1966, in Palo Alto, California to Jose Conrado Benitez and Betty Bantug, both from Negros Occidental. He went to La Salle Green Hills for primary and secondary education. He then enrolled at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia and completed a mathematics degree.

Benitez is a former national athlete. He became secretary general of the Philippine Badminton Association in 2011.[5] He is the founder of Betty Bantug Benitez Foundation, Inc. in 1982, and the Kaayong Lawas Foundation Hospital.[3]

Benitez resides in Victorias City, Negros Occidental, but also maintains a residence in Bacolod. He has been married to Dominique Lopez since 1993, and has two children, including Victorias mayor Javier Miguel "Javi" Benitez.[6]

In 2024, Benitez publicly apologized after images emerged online of him and actress Ivana Alawi at an airport in Tokyo, fueling speculation of a relationship. Benitez had previously said that he had received an annulment of his marriage to his wife several years prior, which Lopez denied.[7][8]

Politics

[edit]

Benitez joined Philippine politics in 2010; he was elected congressman of the 3rd district of Negros Occidental and a representative at the House of Congress. He held a satellite congressional office at the City of Talisay. As a congressman, he helped draft and oversee the passing of the Sugarcane Industry Development Act, a piece of landmark legislation that supports sugarcane farmers. He also implemented a scholarship program.[citation needed]

He was also involved in the implementation of various projects in Negros Occidental, such as the Tourism Highway and Loop of Silay, upgrade and beautification of Bacolod-Silay International Airport roads, and the construction of other bridges and barangay hall buildings. He was also notable for his implemented of some house bills at the congress including House Resolution No. 5237, House Resolution No. 875, proposed admin capital city planning act, House Bill no. 85, House Bill no. 84, House Bill no. 82.[9] Benitez initiated the Silay Negros Occidental Convention Center project near the Bacolod-Silay Airport.[10][11]

Benitez completed his three-term limit in 2019. His younger brother, Jose Francisco "Kiko" Benitez, was elected as his successor.[12]

In June 2019, Negros Occidental governor Eugenio Jose Lacson appointed Benitez as the provincial government's consultant for economics and investments. He was serving pro bono.[13]

In October 5, 2021, Benitez changed his voter address from Victorias to Bacolod and officially announced to run for Mayor of Bacolod against incumbent Mayor and rival Evelio Leonardia on May 9, 2022 elections.[14] In March 26, 2022, Benitez formally launched his campaign, together with his slate known as Team Asenso or Grupo Asenso, a PDP-Laban led-coalition.[15]

On May 10, 2022, the Commission on Elections declared Benitez as elected Mayor of Bacolod.

Business career

[edit]

In 1993, Benitez established Bingo Bonanza Corp. (later AB Leisure Exponent), which operates bingo establishments in shopping malls in the Philippines.[16] In later years, Benitez would become the majority owner and chairman of the gaming firm Leisure & Resorts World Corporation (LRWC), which acquired Bingo Bonanza in October 1999.[17][18] He also previously served as president of the said corporation.

In June 2021, his company Visayas Cockers Club Inc. received a license from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to operate its online cockfighting (or "e-sabong") site and app under the brand Sabong International PH,[19][20][21][22] though by May 2022, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered all e-sabong operations to be suspended.[23]

Filmography

[edit]

Benitez made a guest appearances in shows and events at some films and television. His well-known television show was the Game Changer which is aired at ANC every Sunday. Benitez also guested in many interviews. He also founded and owns Brightlight Productions, one of the blocktime partners of Cignal Entertainment for TV5, which temporarily houses stars and talents of ABS-CBN and GMA Network.

Program Network Remarks
Game Changer ABS-CBN Benitez created this show to highlight useful innovations and ideas. The show was first aired in 2014 and it was the first Brightlight Productions program.[4]
Sunday Noontime Live! TV5 Creator / Producer under Brightlight Productions
I Got You TV5 Creator / Producer under Brightlight Productions
Sunday 'Kada TV5 Creator / Producer under Brightlight Productions
Lunch Out Loud TV5 Creator / Producer under Brightlight Productions
Serbisyo Pilipinas PHTV Creator / Producer under Brightlight Productions; The new public service program in over the Philippines
Rated Korina TV5 Creator / Producer under Brightlight Productions
Oh My Dad! TV5 Creator / Producer under Brightlight Productions

Notes

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  1. ^ a b Although Albee Benitez was born in the United States of America, his official documents possess his mother's maiden name which is Bantug.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Who are richest congressmen". ABS-CBN News. May 21, 2015.
  2. ^ Cabico, Gaea Katreena (June 14, 2019). "Who's who: Richest, poorest House lawmakers in 2018". Manila: The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on June 19, 2019. Retrieved October 21, 2019.
  3. ^ a b "About Cong Albee". Albee Benitez. July 29, 2016.
  4. ^ a b Red, Isah V. (August 18, 2016). "'Game Changer Philippines' launches 4th season". Manila Standard.
  5. ^ JVP (May 21, 2011). "Binay supports teenage shuttler Alcala's Olympic dream". GMA News Online. GMA Network. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  6. ^ Delilan, Edwin (February 5, 2024). "Annulment buzz involving Albee Benitez, wife causes ripples in Bacolod". Rappler. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  7. ^ Delilan, Edwin (February 13, 2024). "Bacolod mayor apologizes to Ivana Alawi amid noise over Tokyo encounter". Rappler. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  8. ^ Mercado, Josh (February 12, 2024). "Bacolod mayor apologizes to Ivana Alawi". ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs.
  9. ^ "bills-and-resolutions-filed-congressman-alfredo-abelardo-b-benitez". Albee Benitez.
  10. ^ Guadalquiver, Nanette (July 12, 2024). "NegOcc poised to become convention hub with landmark facility". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  11. ^ Adiong, Eugene (July 13, 2024). "P1-B convention center to rise in Silay City". The Manila Times. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  12. ^ Canet, Carla (June 28, 2019). "Albee Benitez bids farewell". SunStar Bacolod. Archived from the original on June 30, 2019. Retrieved October 21, 2019.
  13. ^ Yasa, Dolly (July 1, 2019). "Ex-congressman is now Capitol consultant". Bacolod. Daily Guardian. Archived from the original on August 22, 2020. Retrieved August 22, 2020.
  14. ^ "Ex-NegOcc solon eyes Bacolod mayoral seat with 'unity ticket'". www.pna.gov.ph. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  15. ^ "'Tumandok' vs 'pangayaw' in heated Bacolod City mayoral race". RAPPLER. March 27, 2022. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  16. ^ Ramos, Elaine S. (July 1999). "Bingo Bonanza denies merger talks with BW". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corporation. p. 5. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  17. ^ "What you need to know about Albee Benitez and Brightlight Productions". Rappler. October 18, 2020. Retrieved January 22, 2021.
  18. ^ Lee, Lovely Nica P. (May 19, 2008). "Casino operator to co-develop Cagayan airport". GMA News Online. Manila, Philippines: GMA Network. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  19. ^ Radyo Pilipinas (April 19, 2023). "NegOr Rep. Teves, inaming sinubukang ipahinto ang operasyon laban sa E-sabong upang hindi aniya mapahiya ang gobyerno". Facebook (in Filipino). Meta Platforms, Inc. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  20. ^ "Teves: E-sabong hard to stop, like porn". Manila Bulletin. Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation. April 17, 2023. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  21. ^ Bilyonaryo.com (July 4, 2021). "4-way fight! Pagcor grants E-Sabong licenses to Albee Benitez, Patrick Antonio". Bilyonaryo Business News. Prage Management Corp. Retrieved July 11, 2024. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) has added two more E-Sabong operators Bilyonaryo Albee Benitez's Sabong International PH (under Visayas Cockers Club)[...]
  22. ^ Bilyonaryo.com (September 1, 2021). "Pagcor frets over 23 illegal operators as E-Sabong popularity soars". Bilyonaryo Business News. Prage Management Corp. Retrieved July 11, 2024. The four legitimate E-Sabong operators: 'Pitmasters Live' under Lucky 8 Star Quest of Charlie 'Atong' Ang; 'Sabong Express' under Belvedere Vista of Bong Pineda; 'Sabong International PH' under Visayas Cockers Club of former congressman Albee Benitez;[...]
  23. ^ Ramos, Christia Marie (May 3, 2022). "Duterte orders end to e-sabong". Inquirer News. Manila, Philippines: The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
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