New leaders take oath

CEBU, Philippines - Yesterday saw several newly elected leaders taking their oath of office in preparation for tomorrow’s start of the new political term.

BOPK leaders of Cebu City, the new mayor of Daanbantayan in northern Cebu and the new congressman of Cebu second district, all allies of the Liberal Party, took their oath of office yesterday.

The members of the Bando Osmeña Pundok-Kauswagan (BOPK) took their oath before Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas at the San Pedro Calungsod Chapel in South Road Properties.

Outgoing Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas R. Osmeña attended. “Thanks to all of you for all the sacrifices you have made and many of those sacrifices still continue because many of the casual workers are now being terminated in City Hall,” said Osmeña.

In southern Cebu, 2nd district Representative-elect Wilfredo Caminero chose to have his ceremonial oath-taking in Barangay Linut-od, a farflung mountain barangay in Argao. He hopes that his story as a once farmer who rose to being a congressman would inspire people, assuring that people can easily approach him.

He would first work on the division of the second district when the 16th congress starts. The 2nd district has the biggest scope with 15 towns and cities included. This, Caminero said, is a challenge since more towns have to divide the P70-million pork barrel given to each congressman.

As for the PDAF of former 2nd district Representative Pablo “Pabling” Garcia that is deposited as trust fund in the Capitol, Caminero said he would distribute it accordingly and make sure everything is in line with the Special Allotment Release Order.

In Daanbantayan, Mayor-elect Augusto “Itok” Corro and other town officials took their oath yesterday amidst tropical storm “Gorio” that hit northern Cebu.

Bogo City Mayor Celestino “Junie” Martinez Jr. administered the oath of Corro, Vice Mayor-elect Gilbert Arrabis Jr., councilors-elect Chona de Leon and Emmanuel Benatiro.

Councilor-elect Jupiter Rosell who belongs to One Cebu Party was also present together with some former town officials like former vice mayors Jose de Leon Jr. and Mariano Diaz and brothers, former councilors Hiram and Renato Benatiro, Jovencio Taneo and Rosannie Luche.

Witnessing the event were the members of Corro’s family like his sisters, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza, University of the Philippines-Cebu College Dean Liza Corro, and others.

Mayor Corro outlined his programs of government in the next three years following the principle of HIT (honesty, integrity and transparency). He expressed sadness over the defiance of outgoing Mayor Maria Luisa Loot to the DILG memorandum for a proper turnover.

Corro warned department heads that sooner, anomalies would be discovered if there’s any.

Arrabis described their victory as “destiny” after all of them were hesitant of running knowing their twice failed attempt to bring changes since 2007 and 2010 elections.

In Danao City, Roxas also administered the oath of office of Fifth District Rep. Josep Ace Durano, his father Danao City Mayor Ramonito Durano III, Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, board members, mayors, vice mayors and councilors in the fifth district. — Rene U. Borromeo, AJ de la Torre, Gregg M. Rubio and Jose P. Sollano/JPM  (FREEMAN)