Romualdez designates Paduano as Negros Occidental's District 3 caretaker

On Wednesday, September 4, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez designated Abang Lingkod Representative Joseph Stephen Paduano as the caretaker of the 3rd Congressional District of Negros Occidental.

The position became vacant after Jose Francisco Benitez was appointed director general of TESDA on August 25.

Paduano, a political ally of the Benitezes and a native of Negros Occidental, was chosen unanimously by Romualdez and Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe.

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson welcomed Paduano's designation as the legislative caretaker for District 3 on Thursday.

Benitez expressed full confidence in Paduano's ability to represent the district's interests until the end of the 19th Congress in June 2025, stating he would remain at service for the people of the district.

Paduano stated that he would prioritize Benitez’s legislative agenda during his caretaker role, focusing on projects and programs for Silay, Talisay, Victorias, Murcia, and EB Magalona.