Mabatid: Cebu City affairs run by ‘witch’

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Councilor Prisca Niña Mabatid has aired her gripe over what she said was City Hall’s act of dictating on the councilors, calling it disrespectful to her being an elected official.

In a scathing post to her Facebook page, the councilor from North District decried the presence of a figurative “ungo” or “witch”, who allegedly dictates on the City Hall affairs.

Mabatid did not name any person in her post, but it included a picture with the words “Cebu City is a big mess.”

“Kabalo ba mo nga naay ungo sa City Hall nga maoy nagbuot-buot sa tanan gikan sa pagpadagan sa City Hall, sa mga supplier sa bugas, ug tigdiktar sa mga puppet councilors unsay buhaton sa budget -- kinsay tagaan ug kinsay dili?” Mabatid’s post read.

(Did you know that there is a witch at the City Hall who, without authority, is managing the affairs of the city, including the supply of rice, and dictates on the puppet councilors what to do with the budget – whom to give it, whom not?)

Mabatid said that even though not publicized, she continues to carry out and create programs for the people using her own money.

“Dili man COVID iyang concern, mas nagbantay siya sa kwarta sa gobyerno. Ngano kaha? Kamo na lang bahala. Basta ako naningkamot ko og hatag og serbisyo sa mga tao, labi na mga pobre gamit sa akong kaugalingong kwarta,” she said.

(This person is not concerned about COVID-19. This person is concerned with the government’s money. Why? I leave it up to you. As for me, I have been trying to serve the public, especially the poor, using my own money.)

Mabatid said she could not understand why her suggestions to help have been turned down.

“Ambot ngano hadlok kaayo ni sila nga mo tabang ko??? Hadlok sila nga naa koy mabuhat nga maayo. Og naay ayuda halos di ko pahibaw-on, not unless moreklamo ko,” she said.

(I don’t know why they are scared when I help. They are afraid I will do good things. If there’s aid, they won’t tell me about it unless I complain.)

“Sorry, I’m not a puppet councilor. Mobarug ko kung unsay insakto. Ayaw paghuwat mabulgar mo kay di ra ba ko mahadlok mosulti sa tinuod bahala na og pahawaon ko ninyo. Enough! Hadlok mo og ungo? Ako dili,” she added.

(I stand by what is right. Do not wait until you will be exposed because I’m not scared to tell the truth, never mind if you will kick me out. Enough! Are you scared of witch? I’m not.)

Mabatid is currently identified with the Barug-PDP Laban party under the leadership of Mayor Edgardo Labella and Vice Mayor Michael Rama. — JMD (FREEMAN)