Mayor-elect to overhaul town hall

CEBU, Philippines - Compostela town Mayor-elect Joel Quiño will introduce some changes when he takes over the reins of government on June 30.

Quino, who defeated incumbent Mayor Ritchie Wagas by 2,111 votes in the last May polls, said there will be changes in the way the municipal government will be run under his administration.

“Ninety percent gyud naay drastic change nga mahitabo sa lungsod,” Quiño told The Freeman.

Quino said there will be cleansing of personnel and employees considering that there are “ghost employees” listed in the payroll of the town. He will also be checking the municipal’s budget.

“Ma-kaalyado kamang (Mayor) Wagas o kanako, kung non-performing ka, taktak gyud ka. Performance ang akong basehanan sa akong administrasyon,” Quino said, adding he is worried when he takes over because the town has no funds available.

“Mao pa gyud na akong tan-awonon karon kung pila ang kwarta sa lungsod,” he said.

Since he was voted mayor-elect in the town, Quino, who is currently the council presiding officer, has failed to attend two consecutive sessions.

Quiño said he has not shown up at the municipal hall after his proclamation because of the tension created by allegations made by Mayor Ritchie Wagas and his supporters of widespread fraud and cheating in the first electronic May elections.

“Samtang karon init pa kaayo ang politika sa among lungsod ug dili pa makadawat ang akong kaatbang, naglikay lang una ako nga magpakita sa munisipyo,” Quino said.

Although there has been no threats made against his person, he still is taking extra precautionary measures to avoid unpleasant incidents. – THE FREEMAN