2 newbie councilors ready to take on legislative roles

CEBU, Philippines — Newly elected Cebu City Councilors Nice Archival and Winston Pepito are stepping up to the challenge of working alongside veteran legislators as they enter the City Council come high noon of June 30.

Both newbie councilors expressed readiness to make a difference, outlining the programs and committees they wish to pursue.

On Tuesday, Councilor-elect Archival introduced herself as the youngest councilor-elect and the only woman representing the north district. She secured second place among north district councilors with a significant margin. Archival dedicated her win to her father, slain criminal lawyer Noel Archival, brother of Cebu City Mayor-elect Nestor Archival.

Nice recalled that her victory came as a surprise. At the start of the campaign period, she said many people doubted her due to her age. The 24-year-old said it was former mayor and now Vice Mayor-elect Tomas Osmeña who encouraged her to run.

However, she said public perception shifted once she began speaking about her policy positions. Archival acknowledged that while her family name helped introduce her to the public, it was not enough to win or surpass veteran opponents.

She noted that her campaign message resonated most with the youth, whom she described as thinking beyond the bounds of traditional politics.

As a youth representative, Archival said she plans to push for legislation that would provide free school supplies and uniforms, emphasizing the financial challenges many families face.

When asked about the proposed transfer of Cebu City Hall to the South Road Properties (SRP), Archival voiced opposition, citing transportation issues and increased public expenses.

“Public office is a public trust, so nganong ato man ipalayo ang city hall?” she said.

Archival also expressed her interest in heading the committee on disaster, citing her exposure to emergency response efforts through her uncle Nestor Archival, who manages a fire brigade. She also expressed interest in the committees on tourism and sports.

On policy priorities, she said she supports implementing rainwater catchment systems to regulate runoff and reduce flooding in urban areas. She also plans to push for improved garbage segregation practices.

In terms of transparency, Archival wants to propose a measure prohibiting the display of public officials’ photos on government projects.

Councilor-elect Winston Pepito, incumbent Barangay Captain of Bacayan, who topped the race in the north district, credited his victory to his humanitarian work even before entering politics. Though he ran under the Partido KUSUG, aligned with outgoing Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, Pepito vowed to cooperate with the incoming administration.

With the new council assuming office at noon on June 30, the political majority remains uncertain. BOPK and Partido KUSUG each secured six councilors, while Partido BARUG won four seats. No party currently holds a clear majority.

Pepito emphasized that political affiliations will not hinder his service. “Public service is his top priority,” he said.

Among his proposed programs is the modernization of City Hall services to align with the incoming administration’s goal of providing 24/7 access. He plans to harness technology by developing an app that will allow the public to access services online—a system he previously piloted in his barangay.

“In my barangay, dili lang kay ma access nimo sa imong cellphone ang mga services, amo pa gyud I deliver sa inyong panimalay,” said Pepito.

Archival, while supportive of digital initiatives, pointed out the challenges of limited internet access and the digital divide, especially for those lacking tech literacy.

Pepito responded that such initiatives could lead to improvements in network infrastructure in upland barangays, enhancing overall accessibility. He also aims to promote policies that make Cebu City more business-friendly.

Additionally, Pepito expressed interest in the committees on infrastructure, scholarship and education, and technology, citing his expertise in these areas. — (FREEMAN)