Dumarao Ex-mayor dies
DUMARAO, CAPIZ – Former Mayor Heracleo "Bebot" Benjamen died last Friday at Iloilo Doctor's Hospital due to a lingering illness. He was 60 years old.
Incumbent Mayor Leslie Warren "Beboy" Benjamen told The News Today (TNT) that his father Bebot had been confined at the hospital since September 9, 2008. He said that his father died of pneumonia and sepsis.
It was learned that on September 6, the older Benjamen celebrated his 60th birthday with a triple celebration since the younger Benjamen also celebrated his 34th birthday and the christening of his nephew.
It was also learned that the former mayor had been bed-ridden since November of 2006, several months ago before the 2007 election where he endorsed his son Beboy to be the next mayor and successfully won during the election.
The former mayor was born on September 4, 1948. He is married with Nieva Alianza Benjamen with whom they were blessed with 3 children namely: Mary Lovelle, Mayor Leslie Warren and Ann Cristine Benjamen-Borbon.
Ex-Mayor Bebot had been a disbursement officer of AMU-DAR of Astorga, Dumarao, Capiz.
Before he became full-fledged mayor of Dumarao, by law of succession, he became mayor of this town from March 26 - July 11, 1998 when incumbent Mayor Victor Tanco, Sr. (now Capiz governor) resigned and run for vice governor.
His succession was in accordance with Republic Act 7160, Sec. 44.
Bebot, a third termer mayor, was elected chief executive of this town from July 12, 1988 to June 30, 2007 where in his last 2 terms he ran unopposed.
The remains of Benjamen was fetched by several public officials namely: Ivisan Mayor Ipe Yap and brother Ex-Mayor Nonoy Yap; Dumalag Mayor Nene Castro; Cuartero Mayor Roger Flores, Board Member Gilbert Ardivilla and wife Mimi and Board Member Clemente Castro-Firmalino and several others.
Interment will be on November 8, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at Dumarao Public cemetery.