JVR changes mind, shuns meeting with City Council

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Mayor Johnny V. de los Reyes has changed his mind and opted not to meet Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante and the councilors to supposedly resolve issues surrounding the 2015 annual budget.

De los Reyes has informed Provincial Board Member Grecilda Sanchez of his decision yesterday, a day after the mayor and all department heads met the former to explain how the budget cuts made by the City Council would affect his administration.

"I truly respect Mayor JVR's decision of not coming into terms with the entire council through our efforts in a dialogue. That is his choice," Sanchez said.

Sanchez said that perhaps is the mayor's way of stressing the point but she is still hoping De los Reyes would be open for a dialogue with the council.

"Nahiubos si mayor, gibuhat na ni Mayor JVR ang tanan paubos pero gibali naman hinuon nga kuno si Mayor JVR di maminaw nila ni Villarante," said city administrator John Yre de los Reyes, the mayor's son.

John Yre said the issue has now boiled down to the question of who is telling the truth and who is sincere to the party.

"Bahala'g wa mi partido kay dili ang partido among giserbisyohan, ang katawhan sa Talisay among giserbisyohan. Ug andam mi makigbatok sa mga tawo nga mapahimuslanon ug nagyagayaga sa mayor sama sa gibuhat ni Villarante sa social media ug daghan pa sila'g mga panaut sa mayor sama sa pag-ingon nga bugo, ignorante, wala'y kabangkaagan ug uban pa," John Yre added.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale said they are still making arrangements with De los Reyes and Villarante for a meeting where "only elected officials" would be allowed to join. — Gregg M. Rubio (FREEMAN)