Jagmoc will not seek another term

CEBU, Philippines - More slots are opened for those who are interested to be included in the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan with the recent announcement of Cebu City north district Councilor Edwin Jagmoc that he is no longer seeking another term.

Jagmoc’s decision brings to four the number of vacant slots for councilor in the north district in the BOPK slate.

Jagmoc, who is currently serving his second term as councilor, cited no reason for not seeking re-election when he made an announcement in a “pulong-pulong” on drug awareness in Barangays T. Padilla and Tejero.

“I am considering not seeking re-election next year,” Jagmoc said, adding that much thoughts and reflections have been done before he made the “hard decision.”

Jagmoc is a lay minister and president of the Federation of Parents-Teachers Association.

With Jagmoc’s decision not to seek another term, this would mean that those who want to be included in the shortlist of the BOPK have now bigger chances.

 Aside from the slot that will be left by Jagmoc, three more slots in their north district will also be opened as three councilors– Nestor Archival, Sylvan Jakosalem and Christopher Alix are already serving their last terms and are no longer allowed to seek re-election.

On the other hand, two slots will also be opened in the south district as Councilors Arsenio Pacaña and Gerardo Carillo are also on their last terms. However, these slots would reportedly be filled by Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s wife, Margarita “Margot” Osmeña and Ronald Cuenco, the son of south district Rep. Antonio Cuenco.

Jagmoc said he will be calling for a press conference this week to formally announce his intention to leave public office.

“Malipayon kaayo ako sa inyong pagtabang kanako sa akong duha ka termino,” Jagmoc said, adding it has been “an honor to serve the city for six years.”

After his speech at the pulong-pulong, the councilor declined to elaborate the reasons why he is no longer seeking a re-election. But he said that he already informed Mayor Osmeña about his decision. “Pagpahibalo nako niya, nag-istoryahanay mi, ug mihatag siya sa iyang pagsanong. Pero ingon siya nga kinahanglan that I will be the one to say it to the public.”

Meanwhile, Jagmoc’s colleagues at the City Council were saddened by his decision.

“I am saddened to hear that. He has been a hardworking colleague particularly in the area of general services and garbage collection. I hope he would reconsider his decision. But whatever it is I will always respect him,” said Councilor Edgardo Labella.

Some barangay officials, who opted not to be named, said Jagmoc made the move to avoid future embarrassments as early this year he became the center of controversy after it was reportedly discovered that he had an affair with one of the employees of the City Hall. He faced off with the media last July to deny the allegations.

“Among tan-aw kana nga isyu maoy nakapahugno niya. Human sa maong panghitabo nakita namong barangay officials dili naman kaayo siya effective,” a barangay official said.

Another barangay official believed that Jagmoc’s decision will elate a number of barangay officials because they will now have bigger chances to be included in the BOPK list for city councilor. — Garry B. Lao/WAB  (THE FREEMAN)