Jakosalem stays in Citom 'til year end

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Traffic Operations Management (CITOM) Board Chairman Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem will remain a consultant of the city until his contract ends on December.

Jakosalem said his interpretation of the Commission on Elections Law on officials running for elective position is that, he is automatically resigned as Chairman of the CITOM Board since he was only appointed to the position by the mayor.

But he said he will stay as the mayor’s pointman and consultant for CITOM matters.

“I’m still thinking about it because as much as I love serving the city as Chairman, I am committed to likewise campaign for Team Rama so it will have to be a balancing act. But in my interpretation of the Comelec Law, I am automatically resigned na as Chairman but will continue to help the Mayor as his pointman and consultant for CITOM matters,” Jakosalem said.

However, Jakosalem said Mayor Michael Rama has requested him to stay. He added that the Comelec also gave an opinion that he can continue serving as CITOM chairman.

Jakosalem is a trusted consultant of the mayor and is one of the candidates of Team Rama in next year’s election.

Jakosalem filed his Certificate of Candidacy last Friday to run for Councilor in the north district.

Comelec rules said that officials of the government who are appointed to their positions are automatically resigned while those elected may continue to serve.

Comelec Cebu City earlier said this law is not applicable to consultants who have contracts with the local government unit.

“But if he wants to resign because he wants to focus on his campaign or for other compelling reason, then I will not hold him up,” Rama said.

In the case of former councilor Nestor Archival who is also a consultant of the mayor on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) matters, Rama said he does not have to end his service because he expects that the former has delicadeza.

Archival is now an official candidate of the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan which is the Team Rama’s rival in the coming election.

“I don’t have to be taking the initiative. Ang naa’y delicadeza, sila na’y mulihok. They’re decent and professional enough for that,” Rama said. —/FPL (FREEMAN)