Albee Benitez
Albee Benitez | |
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2016 | |
| Member-elect of the Philippine House of Representatives from Bacolod's lone district | |
| Assuming office June 30, 2025 | |
| Succeeding | Greg Gasataya |
| 43rd Mayor of Bacolod | |
| Assumed office June 30, 2022 | |
| Vice Mayor | El Cid Familiaran |
| Preceded by | Evelio Leonardia |
| Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Negros Occidental's 3rd district | |
| In office June 30, 2010 – June 30, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Jose Carlos V. Lacson |
| Succeeded by | Jose Francisco Benitez |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Alfredo Abelardo Bantug Benitez December 20, 1966 Palo Alto, California, U.S. |
| Citizenship |
|
| Political party | Independent (2015–2016, since 2024) |
| Other political affiliations | PDP (2016–2024) Liberal (2010–2015) NPC (2009–2010) |
| Residences | |
| Alma mater | College of William & Mary (BS) |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Profession | Businessman |
| Website | 2022 |
Alfredo Abelardo "Albee" Bantug Benitez (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. In the 2025 elections, he was elected as the representative of Bacolod's lone district and is scheduled to take office on June 30 this year.
Benitez began his career as a business executive in the gambling industry. He founded the Bingo Bonanza in 1993 and AB Leisure in 1994. The two companies became subsidiaries of Leisure & Resorts World, which Benitez would later be the president of from 2005 to 2010, before divesting his business interests to enter politics. He remained the majority shareholder of the company and returned as its chairman in 2019.
Benitez entered the House of Representatives in 2010. During his tenure, he was among the wealthiest members of Congress. In 2018, he was the second-wealthiest member of Congress, amassing a net worth of ₱1.23 billion. He sought the mayoralty of Bacolod in 2022 and won, defeating incumbent mayor Evelio Leonardia. After serving one term, Benitez sought a return to Congress as the representative of Bacolod's lone district.