BACOLOD CITY—Absence makes this congressman work harder.
Negros Occidental Rep. Julio “Jules” Ledesma IV (1st district) has admitted that he is the No. 1 absentee in the House of Representatives, but he insists that he has done a lot for his constituents despite his nonappearance at the session hall.
Ledesma was reacting to news reports that despite being the “most notorious chronic absentee” he would still receive his entire salary, including bonuses, as long as he attends the last two sessions of the 14th Congress before it adjourns on Feb. 5.
The Negros lawmaker said that while reports of his absences were accurate, he was “neither frivolous nor whimsical” in his actions. He also pointed out that he had not gone on any foreign trips at the expense of the government.
Ledesma said that since he was elected in 2007, he has been following up the establishment of the San Carlos bio-energy plant which is the first clean-energy, co-generation plant in the country. The plant began operations in San Carlos City this year.
He said the operation of the plant boosted the economy of the first district as it allowed landowners whose holdings are covered by Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP)—such as the Ledesma Hermanos Agricultural Corp. and the Gamboa Hermanos Inc.— to supply sugarcane to the co-generation plant.
“In spirit and in substance, what I have done for my district cannot be denied,” Ledesma said.
He also said that the people who elected him into office approve of what he has been doing, particularly his efforts to put up business ventures in every town and city of the first district.
Administration bet
Ledesma, who is supporting the presidential bid of administration candidate Gilbert Teodoro, is seeking reelection in the May 10 polls.
Ledesma, the third richest representative with a net worth of P427.529 million, has long been known for his frequent absences in Congress which had set off debates on whether absentee lawmakers should be penalized for their laziness.
He’s married to actress Assunta de Rossi.
