- BERT BAYORAN
Neophyte Kabankalan Mayor Benjie Miranda has accused members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of “bullying”.
Miranda was apparently referring to a resolution approved by the SP, chaired by its presiding officer, Vice Mayor Miguel Zayco, expressing their dismay and disappointment over the hiring of non-city residents by the mayor, for various positions at the City Hall.
Zayco said that Miranda hired at least 26 people to work at various offices at the Kabankalan City Hall, instead of giving preference to unemployed Kabankalanons, who are in dire need of jobs.
In a statement, Miranda said there are so many relevant resolutions that should be given much attention by the SP, such as the establishment of a Land Transportation Office, creation of a drainage master plan, installation of street lights and CCTV, more ambulances, garbage compactors, strengthening of the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, among others.
Of the 26 persons employed at the Kabankalan City Hall, Zayco said he received reports that six of them were assigned to the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) and its technical working group, while others were assigned to the General Services Office and the Office of the City Agriculture.
Lawyer Jose Edward Davila, former Silay City administrator, has been hired by Miranda as officer-in-charge of the Kabankalan City Legal Office, while former Board Member Reynaldo Novero was employed as city administrator.
By approving such resolution, Zayco emphasized that the SP wants to convey a message that Kabankalanons should be given a preference in the hiring of workers.
While he appreciates the retention of job order employees by Miranda, Zayco said the contract of the JOs will end on July 31.
There is no politics here, Zayco stressed.
Majority of the SP members are identified with the previous administration./GB
