Rama gives executive functions to councilors

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has granted the members of the so-called “independent bloc” executive functions after they were shut out from the committee chairmanships by city councilors under the Bando Osmeña - Pundok Kauswagan political party.

“No one can stop the mayor (in giving them executive functions),” said Rama.

He said Richard “Richie” Osmeña will be assisting the City Sports Commission and the Peace and Order Program especially in crafting and implementing programs and projects while Councilor Noel Eleuterio Wenceslao will help the City Budget Office and in other budgetary matters.

Councilor Gerardo Carillo, on the other hand, will be involved with the Department of Social Welfare and Services in providing services.

The councilors used to head different committees at the City Council such as Social Services and Traffic Management (Carillo), Public Order and Safety (Osmeña) and Education, Science and Technology and Urban Planning and Development (Wenceslao).

The councilors bolted from BOPK last month.

Carillo thanked Rama for his “trust and support” to the independent bloc. “I accepted the offer wholeheartedly,” he said.

Carillo said the task is not “new” to him as the former Social Services chairman and consultant of the Department of Social Welfare and Development for more than two decades.

“Social services have been my field of practice and my expertise. That’s why I authored ordinances on solo parents, against domestic violence, among others,” he said.

Carillo running for Congress

Rama announced yesterday that Carillo would be running for the south district congressional seat in the incoming 2016 elections under Team Rama.

Carillo confirmed, saying it was one of his political agenda for 2016.

“Layo pa ang election but I will definitely work for it. Though, it is a very big challenge for me to surpass but I will accept and embrace it,” he said.

According to him, this has been initially discussed before the mayor left for Sabrosa City in Portugal to formalize sisterhood ties last month.

Carillo said he will go around the barangays in the city to consult and get people’s opinion and sentiments beforehand with regards his political plan.

“I am a lawyer and a legislator. Precisely, that’s the job of a congressman. I believe I can manage it well. I hope and pray. I will not stop helping and rendering services to the people in whatever capacity I have,” the city councilor said.  (FREEMAN)