Cortes hires Fortuna anew

CEBU, Philippines - For the second time now, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes hired the services of his former political rival, Carlo Pontico Fortuna, for a period of six months.

The former vice mayor who was a fierce critic of Cortes when Cortes assumed office in 2007 signed last Friday a contract of services with the Mandaue City Government.The contract stipulates that the City Government has hired the services of Fortuna, who is a lawyer by profession, as consultant of the mayor on “advisory and review services.”

Among the scope of his work includes “advisory and review services, pre-investment or feasibility studies, construction, supervision management and related services pertaining to legislative affairs.”

Fortuna shall also perform any other advisory work for any department calling for his assistance on matters pertaining to legislative affairs, wherein he has to render written opinions, comments and recommendations to the mayor.

Although the term of contract is valid for six months, Fortuna only has one month to serve as consultant of the city starting from May to June this year, when he signed the said contract last Friday.

Fortuna explained that although the contract was drafted early this year, it still passed through the BIDS and Awards Committee (BAC), which, after approval, endorsed it to the city council for the resolution of authority to hire a consultant.

Nonetheless, Fortuna said, that is no longer an issue for him as he serves at the pleasure of the mayor.

“The delay in the commencement of my engagement as a consultant is inconsequential to me. The mayor has continually reiterated and affirmed his offer to engage me as his consultant which I believe is his firm affirmation of trust in me. I therefore serve at his pleasure. Hence, term and tenure are of less importance to me,” Fortuna said in a text message to The FREEMAN.

He added that it all depends on the mayor on whether to renew his services.

When Fortuna was also hired by the City Government in December last year as the consultant on assets and properties, Cortes said that he hired Fortuna because he acknowledged Fortuna’s expertise.  (FREEMAN)