No state of emergency declared yet, Is politics hijacking Roque fire victims?

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella urged the barangay's officials to set aside political partisanship and be united in declaring the barangay under state of emergency.

This, after the huge fire that left a thousand individual homeless in Barangay San Roque.

San Roque Barangay Captain Lidiore "Boy" Miranda said they have been conducting three sessions in the barangay council but failed to attain quorum because some barangay councilors failed to attend.

Labella said even if the barangay council will not declare their barangay under state of emergency, the city council will declare it today.

Miranda said only barangay councilors Cyrus Lindog and Jaime Alcantara always attend during their session.

"Dapat wagtangon sa ta ning pamolitika kay naglisod atong barangay man gud, maong ato silang gipatawag pero dili gyod manunga. Usahay mag ulhos-ulhos sila," he said.

He said barangay councilors Bobby Morados, Leonarda Pepito, Rogelio Ruizon, Eliser Espina Jr. and Mario Pamolarco.

"Makasabot man ko nga naa pod ni sila'y mga trabaho, naa'y naapil sa sunog gyod, pero dapat mo-perform pod sila as public official kaysa manunga lang og tigkuha na sa honorarium," he said.

Miranda said they have not used their disaster funds yet since the resolution declaring their barangay under state of emergency has not been signed.

Labella said if the barangay officials will be proven neglecting their job because of politics, they could be held liable.

"Atong hinumduman nga naa gyo'y mga balaod nato nga mo-address ana (sama sa) RA 6713, code of conduct and ethical standard of public officials and employees. Responsiveness to the public, political neutrality nga magsilot either administratively or criminally sa mga officials nga nagpapili ug gipili to serve the public without mental reservation," he said.

Labella said it will only take one taxpayer or resident to file the case. — (FREEMAN)