Mandaue inaugural session lasts for only thirty minutes

CEBU, Philippines - The 12th Sangguniang Panlungsod of the Mandaue City council inaugural session lasted for only thirty minutes yesterday.

Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede presided over the session and first in the agenda was the confirmation of Opao Barangay Captain Jo Ouano as an ex-officio member of the sanggunian following a statement from National League of Barangay President Rico "RJ" Echeverri that Ouano has been appointed ABC president of the city.

Majority floor leader Councilor Diosdado Suico then announced there is no legal constraints for Ouano now to sit as an ex-officio member of the 12th SP.

The second item in the agenda was an ordinance authored by re-electionist Councilor Diosdado Suico enacting the house rules to govern the 12th SP which was approved on first reading. 

The third item was a resolution creating an ad hoc committee of three councilors tasked to fetch and escort Mayor Jonas Cortes to join yesterday's inaugural session.

Bercede then tasked newly elected councilors Elstone Dabon, Nenita Layese, and Suico to escort the Mayor to the session.

Upon arrival at the session hall, Cortes announced his executive agenda in the next three years which include the necessary facilities for solid waste and garbage and that there is a need to procure more garbage trucks to replace the dilapidated ones.

Cortes also wants to prioritize the improvement of school facilities and build more classrooms and to increase the subsidy and financial support to the Mandaue City College.

To avoid lengthy debates during sessions, the mayor expects the revival of the executive-legislative caucus.

Cortes also urged the council to review and evaluate the compensation package of city government employees especially those receiving below minimum wage.

He said his administration is planning to acquire housing sites for informal settlers and qualified government employees.

Senior citizens and person with disabilities (PWD) will also be given financial assistance for their medicine.

 "For me, the executive and legislative departments must act in unity towards our common vision, to make Mandaue the most livable city. Let us build a stronger partnership through mutual respect, equality and independence. We need to plan and work together to realize our people's aspiration for a better quality life," Cortes, in his speech, said.

Newly elected city Councilor Demetrio "Jun" Cortes then moved to adopt the executive agenda of the mayor. This was seconded by Suico.

Suico also motioned that the usual 2 p.m. session every Tuesday be moved to Wednesday at 3 p.m. This was approved by the council. (FREEMAN NEWS)