Malabon mayor back in harness

Malabon City Mayor Amado Vicencio, now back in in office after serving a 90-day suspension for graft as ordered by the Sandiganbayan, promised yesterday to finish all the flagship projects of his administration before his term ends.

In a speech before the city officials, employees and the police force at flag-raising rites announcing his return to office, Vicencio thanked Vice Mayor Mark Allan Jay Yambao, who replaced him in his absence, for ably running the affairs of the city, including maintaining the peace and order.

The mayor vowed to focus on projects he temporarily left behind. He said he will be working for the immediate construction of the Camanava Mega Flood Control Project, the socialized housing project for city hall employees, establishment of a rehabilitation center and half-way house for drug dependents and the conversion of the Malabon City College into a university, among others.

Although it was apparent that the mayor still had some misgiving over the Sandiganbayan order, he urged everyone in public service and the local residents to set the issue aside and together get back to work to realize their dreams for the city. –Jerry Botial