Lawyer refutes JVR statements

CEBU, Philippines - A lawyer identified with the Nacionalista Party yesterday refuted some of the claims made by Talisay City Mayor Johnny V. Delos Reyes (JVR) in his report that marked his first 100 days in office.

Lawyer Paterno Acabodilla of NP said Delos Reyes, in his report, makes it appear that the previous administration was inutile.

“That is an insult to the city and the people of Talisay kung wa gyuy nahimo ang previous administration,” he said.

NP is in coalition with the Alayon Party, which is headed by former first district Rep. Eduardo Gullas who served as Talisay City mayor from 2001-2004.

Acabodilla said Delos Reyes, a first-term city mayor, should also remember that he has also benefitted from the new city hall, the modern abattoir, and other projects constructed by Gullas during his short stint as mayor.         The lawyer also said Delos Reyes’ predecessor, Socrates Fernandez, also of Alayon Party and now a city councilor, had also several successful programs in his three terms, and one of which was the free burial assistance to the city’s indigents.

He also clarified that first district Rep. Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas poured P13 million worth of road concreting projects (asphalt-overlaying and cementing) into various roads in barangay Lawaan II, while the new mayor claimed a P2 million asphalt-overlaying in the same area.

“Way problema kung isulti nila tanang projects sa Talisay, but unta iapil nila nga gi-continue nila ang uban nga gisugdan sa past administration kay basin makaingun ang mga tawo wa gyu’y nabuhat si Mayor Soc,” he said.

In his report last Thursday, Delos Reyes outlined various projects — a public pharmacy, road asphalting, ambulances, police cars, free burial and coffin, among others.

He said when Delos Reyes assumed office it was as if he started from scratch, that he had to remodel the unfinished house, left to him by his predecessor.

Fernandez, who was alleged to have jumped to Delos Reyes’ camp, has remained silent on the issue.