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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Akala ko boy band': Javi Benitez, 'House Hotshots' out to prove their worth

'Akala ko boy band': Javi Benitez, 'House Hotshots' out to prove their worth

Published Jul 10, 2025 10:57 am

At A Glance

  • Negros Occidental 3rd district Rep. Javier Miguel "Javi" Benitez said that the "House Hotshots" moniker given to him and three other neophyte lawmakers was "not official".
From left to right: Negros Occidental 3rd district Rep. Javier Miguel "Javi" Benitez, Tingog Party-list Rep. Andrew Julian Romualdez, FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe, and Batangas 6th district Rep. Ryan Recto (Facebook)
From left to right: Negros Occidental 3rd district Rep. Javier Miguel "Javi" Benitez, Tingog Party-list Rep. Andrew Julian Romualdez, FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe, and Batangas 6th district Rep. Ryan Recto (Facebook)


Negros Occidental 3rd district Rep. Javier Miguel "Javi" Benitez said that the "House Hotshots" moniker given to him and three other neophyte lawmakers was "not official".
But their mission statement--to serve the Filipino people with purpose--is already cast in stone.
"'House Hotshots' daw kami... akala ko may boyband comeback. (They've dubbed us the 'House Hotshots'...it's as if boybands are launching a comeback)," Benitez said in jest in a Facebook post on Wednesday night, July 9.
"It's just a few of us young lawmakers trying to serve with purpose," he noted.
"Yup, surprise din sa akin yung pangalan (the name was also a surprise to me), "not official," but honored to be in good company," said Benitez.
Comprising the Hotshots are Tingog Party-list Rep. Andrew Julian Romualdez, 25; FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe, 33; Batangas 6th district Rep. Ryan Recto, 29; and Benitez, 30. Their average age is just over 29 years old.
"Grateful for the laughs and meaningful conversations. Beyond the nickname, we’re here to put in the work and make our mark in the 20th Congress. ," said the rookie solon from Negros Occidental.
At any rate, Benitez appeared eager to prove his worth as a legislator in the "House of the People".
"Let’s earn it with action, not hype," he wrote.
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