Political bickering feared to affect services in brgys

CEBU, Philippines - Some Talisay City barangay officials, especially those allied with the administration, fear that the political bickering between Mayor Johnny De los Reyes and Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante will drag the two into a conflict and implementation of projects might be affected.

This after the relationship between De los Reyes and Villarante, who are both allies, is now somehow turning sour when the council presiding officer lambasted the chief executive allegedly because of his poor management style.

San Roque Barangay Captain Elzevier Abraham told The FREEMAN that they are not siding with any camp but hope that barangay services and projects will not be affected by the word war between the mayor and vice mayor.

With De los Reyes' nine-month stay at City Hall, Abraham said he sees no problem with the mayor as his request was never yet turned down.

Abraham, along with other barangay captains from barangays Linao, Poblacion, Biasong, Mohon, Lawaan I, Lawaan II and Pooc, went to the mayor yesterday to express their support to his administration.

Linao Barangay Captain Fe Ylanan, whose husband is City Councilor Val Ylanan and allied with the administration, hopes that the conflict will be resolved the soonest time possible.

"Ang akoa lang nga hinaot pa unta nga magkabalik ilang maayong relasyon. Ngano naman ni nga atoa man unta ang presidente, mayor, vice mayor, pero silang duha, mag-away naman hinuon," Fe said.

De los Reyes criticized Villarante and the members of the City Council for deferring a resolution that would authorize him to enter into a multi-million loan for a construction of a new public market facility in Barangay Tabunok.

Villarante, however, said he and the council are not against the mayor's plan but just want the resolution to be deliberated on first.

But both camps have assured the barangays that their conflict will not drag further and that services will continue.  (FREEMAN)