Defensor, Baronda, Benitez are top performing lawmakers in WV

Iloilo Third District Representative Lorenz Defensor is among the top performing lawmakers in Western Visayas.

Based on the results of the “Boses ng Bayan” survey conducted by RP-Mission and Development Foundation, Inc., Defensor got the highest score at 88.9 percent.

The “independent and non-commissioned” survey was conducted per district from Feb. 25 to March 8 this year.

“They (respondents) were randomly chosen, and the number of respondents per district was distributed proportionally based on official voting population data,” the foundation said.

Defensor shared the Top 1 spot with Iloilo City Representative Jamjam Baronda (88.5%) and Negros Occidental Third District Representative Kiko Benitez (88.2%).

Negros Occidental Sixth District Representative Cheding Alvarez (83.4%) and Guimaras Representative Ma. Lucille Nava (83.7) landed on the second spot.

Iloilo Fifth District Representative Boboy Tupas (80.6%) Negros Occidental Fourth District Juliet Marie Ferrer (80.4%), and Aklan Second District Nonong Haresco Jr. (80.2%) ranked third.

The fourth spot was taken by Antique Representative Antonio “AA” Legarda Jr., who earned a score of 74.3%.

Negros Occidental Second District Representative Alfred Marañon (72.8%)and Iloilo Second District Representative Michael Gorriceta (72.5%) occupied the fifth spot.

Aklan First District Representative Carlito Marquez ranked sixth with a score of 71.1% while Bacolod City Representative Greg Gatasaya ranked seventh with a score of 68.6%.

Iloilo First District Representative Janette Garin (67.2%) and Negros Occidental Fifth District Emilio Yulo (66.8%) garnered the eighth spot.

Iloilo Fourth District Representative Ferjenel Biron (65.1%) and Capiz Second District Representative Jane Castro (65.%) landed on the ninth spot.

Negros Occidental First District Representative Gerardo Valmayor (62.7%) and Capiz First District Representative (60.3%) landed on the tenth spot.

“It’s essential to have performance evaluations to ensure that our district representatives are doing their job and serving their constituents effectively,” the foundation said.

Several survey parameters or criteria were used to assess the performance of district representatives or members of Congress, including district representation, legislation, constituent service, ethics and accountability, and accessibility and responsiveness.

“These survey parameters or criteria provide a comprehensive way to assess the performance of District representatives or members of Congress, ensuring that they are accountable and effective in serving their constituents,” the foundation said.

“By regularly evaluating our elected officials using these parameters, we can hold them responsible and ensure they effectively fulfill their duties,” it added.IMT