Vidal appointed to Lapu-Lapu SP

CEBU, Philippines - Melissa Dignos Vidal has taken over the vacant post in the city council left vacant by former Councilor Damian Gomez who resigned last January.

Vidal made her appearance before the city council yesterday afternoon during its regular session bringing with her the appointment from the Office of the President signed by Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza.

Vidal’s appointment was endorsed by Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Arturo Radaza and signed by Mendoza last March 8.

Under the law, the party that causes the vacancy due to death, resignation, permanent incapacity or removal from office can recommend a replacement to serve the remaining unexpired term of a legislative member.

Gomez is a member of Lakas-Kampi CMD, which Radaza is the local party head and has the power to appoint, according to the Local Government Code.

Section 45 (1) of the Local Government Code of 1991 states that permanent vacancies in the council, “where automatic successions do not apply, shall be filled by appointment by the President of the Philippines, through the Executive Secretary” in the case of highly urbanized cities and independent component cities.

Councilor Cornelio Pahang, the majority floor leader, has sponsored a resolution recognizing Vidal as member of the city council in replacement of Gomez.

The council unanimously accepted Vidal as new member.

Vice Mayor Mario Amores, the council presiding officer, has called for a break to allow the members of the council to take photos.

Among present during the session were councilors Marcial Ycong, Pahang, Rodolfo Potot, Efren Herrera, Leo Mercado and Florito Pozon.

Absent were Quennie Ammann and Eduardo Cuizon, who were on official business for the Philippine Councilors’ League conference, Junard Chan, and Alexander Gestopa.

In an interview, Vidal said her appointment should not be misconstrued as “political accommodation” as she will be running for city council in the May election.

Mayor Radaza is on his last and final term. His wife, Paz, is running for mayor of the city. Vidal is on the slate of Paz Radaza.

Vidal ran in 2007 under the ticket of Mayor Radaza but lost.

Asked what she can do in the remaining months, Vidal said “I believe I can still accomplish something.”

In Cebu City, one slot in the council became vacant after Hilario Davide resigned and transferred his registration to Argao town in his bid to run for governor in the province.

In Talisay City, councilor Alan Bucao replaced Vice Mayor Lani Abarquez.

Offical of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) sees no need to add another member in the council because the current line-up can still muster a quorum. – Garry B. Lao (THE FREEMAN)