CEBU, Philippines - Almost a month into Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama’s second term, the city council yesterday concurred the appointments of his city administrator and city attorney.
The two co-terminus department heads, city administrator Atty. Jose Marie Poblete and Atty. Jerone Castillo, appeared before the council to answer queries on the nature of their functions as among the top officials of the city’s executive department.
Before getting the nod of the council, both officials were asked several questions by council members mostly belonging to Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK).
Councilors Margot Osmeña and Nida Cabrera specifically scrutinized Poblete’s function as concurrent City Planning and Development Office head when the office plantilla was assigned to Engr. Alipio Bacalso.
Bacalso headed the office during Rama’s first term but was temporarily replaced by Poblete as ordered by the mayor leaving Bacalso the assistant department head in function.
Poblete clarified that he was merely designated by the mayor to momentarily head CPDO but affirmed that the plantilla is with Bacalso.
Castillo, who was first asked to answer the council’s question, enlightened those present at the legislative session on the existing legal battles of the city government as well as their status.
This is the second term that Poblete served as city administrator under Rama administration.
The new city attorney replaced Joseph Bernaldez who resigned immediately after May elections.
Bernaldez was among the six department heads who reportedly refused to support Rama’s reelection bid.
Apart from the two offices, the city government has three co-terminus positions with information officer being the third.
As provided by section 454 of the Local Government Code, the appointment of department heads requires concurrence of the city council.— (FREEMAN)