Gullas: Benatiro will lead traffic group

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Mayor Eduardo Gullas said yesterday that Hiram Benatiro is the right person to lead the city’s Traffic Operations Development Authority (CT-TODA).

It was reported that there is a conflict between leaders in the office, Benatiro and chief operations officer Almond Dela Peña.

Vice Mayor Alan Bucao said earlier that since Benatiro was hired as consultant, it should be Dela Peña that will handle the operations.

Bucao said Benatiro is only limited to making recommendations and insisted that Dela Peña is the officer to man the operations since he is “organic” in the office and one of those who drafted the CT-TODA traffic code.

Gullas, during a courtesy call with Benatiro and Dela Peña yesterday morning, clarified their respective responsibilities.

“Hiram had the leadership,” Gullas said.

He said he hired Benatiro as consultant and to lead the traffic division.

Benatiro is vice chairman and the chief operations officer while Dela Peña is deputy chief operations officer.

This means Dela Peña will report to Benatiro and Benatiro will report to the mayor.

Gullas said he needs the two men to work hand in hand to improve the city’s traffic situations.

For his part, Benatiro said the contract he signed states clearly that he was assigned as a consultant, vice chairman of CT-TODA, and as executive officer to regulate the implementation and provide services for a smooth traffic movement in the city.

“I even announced in the City Council that I was performing not only as a consultant but as well as hands-on on the traffic,” Benatiro said.

“While naa siya (Benatiro) sa office, mo-look into man sad siya sa whole operations,” said Emily Cabrera, head of the Human Resources Department.

Earlier, Benatiro disclosed five job order employees in the traffic office who allegedly refused to do tasks he has assigned them this past month. He said he recommended the five to be transferred to other offices. (FREEMAN)