Sitoy gives up Provincial Board committees

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Provincial Board Member Arleigh Sitoy has tendered his resignation as majority floor leader of the PB and chairman of the body’s investigating committee.

Against his doctor’s advice, Sitoy appeared at the session hall in a wheelchair with intravenous fluid still attached to his body to announce his decision.

The board member has been confined in a private hospital in Cebu City since Tuesday after he was diagnosed to have kidney cyst. He explained that his resignation was due to the fact that he is no longer a member of the ruling Liberal Party.

Sitoy bolted to Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) because he found comfort with the party.  His shift of allegiance came after he was not issued certificate of nomination and acceptance by the Liberal Party, whose mayoralty bet is his sister, Cordova Vice Mayor Mary Therese Sitoy-Cho.

His father Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy also preferred Cho to be his successor. With this, the younger Sitoy filed his certificate of candidacy under the banner of PDP-Laban and will be running against Cho in the mayoralty race.

He still has a term left as member of the provincial legislative body. He said during his speech yesterday that he opted to run for mayor instead of seeking reelection in the Provincial Board because he finds the latter risky, citing his current health condition.

“(As mayor), comforting para nako nga gamay ra akong suroyon. Ipa-board man nuon ko which I think would kill me. Taas kaayo ang risk,” the board member said.

He is representing the sixth district, which covers Consolacion, Cordova, and Mandaue City.

During the regular session yesterday, the PB also approved the resolution sponsored by Sitoy declaring his position vacant.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, who heads the legislative body, said she respects Sitoy’s decision.

She said the body will still have to discuss on how to fill in the position left by Sitoy. She added that she could also be given authority to appoint a majority leader.

For the PB’s committee on complaints and investigation, Magpale said Board Member Grecilda Sanchez, being the vice chairman, will take over as acting chairman.

Sitoy went out from the session hall before the session ended as his ambulance was already waiting to bring him back to the hospital. He was accompanied by his family and medical staff.  (FREEMAN)