Jaraula defends Emano on laziest vice-mayor tag

January 19, 2009

By Lizanilla J. Amarga

Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Constantino Jaraula defended his PaDayon Pilipino political party titular head and city vice-mayor Vicente Emano on allegations that the latter is the ‘laziest’ vice-mayor ever elected in the city.

Jaraula’s reaction stemmed from statements issued by Cogon public market vendors who criticized Emano for having the record as the vice-mayor with the most number of absences.

However, Jaraula claimed that Emano has been engaged in planning and execution of city projects, securing peace and order, enticing and inviting investors, coordinating City and National agencies among others in the last one and a half years of his term.

For Jaraula, these functions are substantially more important than presiding over the City Council regular sessions.

He said Emano is “actively and substantially” discussing with the majority of the members of the City Council the merits of each item in the agenda.

“What is foremost in the delivery of basic services to the people has been splendidly done by the Vice Mayor,” he said.

During the 76^th Regular City Council Session last January 5, City Councilor Roger Abaday complained for the nth time about Emano’s record-breaking absences and called the city’s second highest official as the “laziest vice mayor Cagayan de Oro ever had.”

City Councilor Teodulfo Lao said Emano attended technically two sessions – the first during the inaugural session and the second when the vice-mayor banged the gavel before relinquishing the post to City Councilor Alfonso Goking.

Cogon Market vendors Rolando Jacut, Paulina Sabal and Virgilio Domingo said Emano should try to learn the job he was voted for and that the local political kingpin should not fear committing any mistake and be embarrassed.

A City Hall worker who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal sent this text message: “Kanang mga absences ni Dongkoy sagpa kana nga makapila sa mga kabus nga gi-ingon niya nga iyang serbisyo-an. Kay sa kada niya absent, gipakita niya nga kung gamhanan ka bisan unsa imong mabuhat bisan paglapas sa balaod pero kung kabus ka daug-daugon ka sama namo diri sa City Hall.”

Written by admin · Filed Under Cagayan de Oro