JVR misses flag rite

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Mayor Johnny De los Reyes failed to attend the traditional flag raising ceremony yesterday, breaking an executive order he himself had issued that requires all workers to attend flag raising and retreat rites.

In a memorandum issued last December, De los Reyes directed all city employees, including job order workers, to attend the ceremonies to avoid suspension from work.

De los Reyes issued the warning after attendance has dwindled.

Flag raising starts at 8:00 in the morning, led by Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante.

It is attended by all job order workers and department heads. 

In an interview with The Freeman, city information officer Vince Monterde said the mayor did not make it yesterday for the reason that he has just been discharged from the hospital. 

Last December, the mayor was confined in a hospital for his annual general check-up.

Monterde, however, assured that the mayor will attend the next flag raising ceremony. 

The official working hours for the government is from 8 .m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The flag raising ceremony is held at 8 a.m. on Mondays while the lowering ceremony is done at 5 p.m. every Friday.

The memorandum states that all employees and job orders are required to attend the ceremonies except those who perform utility and sanitation work; civil security/security guards; ticket checkers on duty; pregnant women; employees whose condition or illnesses are directly attributed to sunlight exposure and prolonged standing. (FREEMAN)