Bacaltos not giving up job

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City administrator Richel Bacaltos yesterday denied reports he will step down from his office to become the administration’s bet for barangay captain in Tabunok in the October barangay election in a bid to replace the incumbent there which is alleged to be an outcast of the party.

“No, it’s not true. I still have to get re-appointed but as far as our meetings with Congressman (Eduardo) Gullas and Mayor Soc (Fernandez), I will get the same position by July,” said Bacaltos.

He also said that outgoing city Councilor Arturo Bas has a ready position for him the moment his term expires on the last day of June.

It is not true that Bas will replace him as city administration, he said.

Bacaltos said he was “surprised” to learn of the reports that have been circulating since last week, but maintained there is no truth to it.

The city administrator, before he was elected as councilor in Talisay for three consecutive terms, served as the first barangay councilman in Tabunok.

Reportedly because of his winnability in his own barangay, reports have it that he will be fielded against incumbent barangay captain Manuel Cabriana in the October barangay election. The administration is reportedly now on its feet, strengthening its hold on the city’s 22 barangays.

Cabriana’s relationship with the administration, in which he has been associated since, has reportedly turned sour when he gave his support to Liberal Party vice mayoralty candidate Aberdovey Belleza, instead of the administration bet Alan Bucao.

It is reportedly “insecurity” that has brought the administration to do it. It is also reportedly the case why casual workers or job order employees who are associated with the opposition are now denied renewal of their jobs at the city hall.

But Bacaltos rejected this claim saying there is “no reason” why they would feel insecure as they still hold the majority, with Fernandez and Bucao have been elected and eight of the 10 council seats were won by their party mates.

The case with Menchulyn Dagode, a supposedly returning job order employee this month, refuted Bacaltos’ statement.

Dagode, who is supposed to start her work at the city hall yesterday, was reportedly stopped by an administration councilor because of her alliance with Belleza.

Dagode, who had been working at the city hall for the last two years, was the former vice mayor’s staff until she was axed last January after the administration learned that Belleza was to contest their vice mayoralty bet. This time, the former job order employee got the backing of City Councilor Shirley Belleza, wife of the former vice mayor, but even with that, she was still refused a job.

Bacaltos for his part admitted that they had dismissed Belleza’s 20 men early this year, but Councilor Belleza still has her 20 quota, number of job orders she can endorse, despite the fact that she supported her husband in the last election. (FREEMAN NEWS)