Amores to return to private practice

CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu City outgoing Vice Mayor Mario Amores, who served only one term as vice mayor , yesterday said he will return to private life when the new set of city council members take over on June 30. Amores is a doctor by profession.

Amores, who presided over the last session of the11th Sangguniang Panlungsod last Wednesday afternoon, said he did not expect his political career would end up suddenly. 

Amores did not seek reelection after he was reportedly dropped by the local Lakas-Kampi CMD at the last hour in favor of city Councilor Marcial Ycong in the vice mayoralty race.

In his 22-minute farewell speech, Amores said he left his business to be in public service for 12 years and never expected that he will go back to his private life again.

“I have no regrets and I have to step out of the line and go back to my private life,” he said.

Furthermore, Amores said he decided to leave politics because he felt that he can also serve the people as a doctor.

Of the 12 members only he and Councilor Ahong Chan who ran but lost to First Lady Paz Radaza in the mayoralty race, are to leave the council.

Chan did not attend the last session telling his colleagues in an excuse letter sent by his secretary to Majority Leader Cornelio Pahang that he has an “equally important” business to attend to.

“Like Dr. (Mario) Amores I can only wish to be afforded a simple yet heartfelt tribute for my little yet noble contribution as one time councilor of the city,” Chan said in his letter.

The house rules had to be suspended to allow Amores to deliver his farewell speech.

Asked what his advice for the incoming vice mayor, city councilor Marcial Ycong, Amores said the councilor has the capacity to run the city council.   (FREEMAN NEWS)