Delos Santos may lose executive posts

CEBU, Philippines- As a consequence of her leaving the Team Rama to join the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan, Councilor Mary Ann delos Santos may lose at least 13 positions under the executive department.

These include at least two commission chairmanships, vice chairmanship, and membership in several executive bodies. 

Mayor Michael Rama admitted that all the positions that Delos Santos holds on account of her being a member of Team Rama will be affected by her recent decision.

“I think with what had transpired and putting official (announcement) that leads to her closure on being included on our political party, it goes without saying that any position that she probably had occupied as appointed to her being a (former) member of the party will also have to be affected,” Rama said.

Rama, however, said that Delos Santos may continue to hold the positions entrusted to her in “confidence” like her chairmanship of the committee on health and services.

Delos Santos sits as chairman of the Cebu City Women and Family Affairs Commission and the Cebu City Welfare and Protection of Children.

She is also the City Council’s representative to Cebu City Private Sector Organization Evaluation and Monitoring Board; member of the City Resource Management and Development Center; and council representative to Waterfront Development Commission.

Delos Santos is chairman of the Cebu City Medical Center Board and CCMC Ad Hoc Committee; vice chairman of the Cebu City Sports Commission; vice chairman of Cebu City Nutrition Council; vice chairman of Multi-Sectoral STD/HIV AIDS Council; member of People with Disability Affairs Office and; member of Bids and Awards Committee Consignment Advising Committee.

Delos Santos said she will respect what will be Rama’s decision, stressing that it will not affect her function as public official.

 “If they will have to remove me (from a certain position,) I will not cling. I thank him for the opportunity that he gave me to chair those commissions,” said Delos Santos.

“But if I remain to sit to that commission, then I will continue to perform. As what I have said, even if I am with the BOPK, I will not lose my identity as Mary Ann delos Santos,” she added.

Rama said he will look for officials who could take over the positions that will be vacated by Delos Santos.

“The good thing about one being out, it provides (more slots for others,)” he said.

Delos Santos bolted Team Rama to join with BOPK after her relationship with Rama turned sour. It started last year after Rama declared a “failure of bidding” in the reconstruction of CCMC.  (FREEMAN)