Zafra, Mabatid prepare turnover to successors

CEBU, Philippines — Two barangay captains who are newly-elected Cebu City councilors are now ready to turn over all documents to their successors.

Tisa Barangay Captain Phillip Zafra and Mabolo Barangay Captain Prisca Niña Mabatid, who will be sworn in as city councilors on June 30, have already prepared their financial statements, properties, accomplishment reports per departments, plantilla of barangay workers, among others, to be given to the first councilmen of their respective barangays.

“By operation of law, the first councilor who got the most number of votes in the last barangay elections will sit as barangay captain,” Zafra said.

In Tisa, the number one barangay councilman is Ringo Pacaña, while Mabolo’s first councilman is Frank Gajudo.

Zafra said he will turn over barangay matters to Pacaña on Friday. Mabatid will do the same next week. Both officials did not attend yesterday’s general assembly of all 80 barangays.

Zafra said the barangay council will pass a resolution addressed to incoming mayor Edgardo Labella to nominate persons who will fill the vacancies in the barangay council.

Zafra said the Tisa barangay council is inclined to nominate Jessie Campos. In Mabolo, Mabatid said majority in the barangay council is inclined to nominate barangay administrator Norman Aliño.

Mabatid said Gajudo can also nominate someone to replace him.

Zafra and Mabatid believe that they no longer need to resign from their posts as barangay captains since their oath-taking as city councilors will signal their assumption of a new government position.

Zafra said he is hoping that there would be specific rules on the assumption of higher office for barangay captains.

“Naglibog bitaw ko kay kon mapildi, balik barangay captain pero kon madaog, walay ingon nga automatic resign. That’s one thing nga akong i-lobby sa Congress – ang barangay reform bill,” he said. (FREEMAN)