EDITORIAL - 100 days

As the term of all those officials elected during the May 13 midterm elections entered its fourth month, majority of them boast of programs and projects they have implemented during their first 100 days in office.

Such has been part of Filipinos’ political culture, aimed at letting their constituents know that those they have swept into office, especially the local officials, have lived up to their expectations, worthy to be called public servants.

In Cebu, many local chief executives are now busy holding public speeches proclaiming to the public their accomplishments in the past 100 days, announcing that their constituents did not make a mistake catapulting them to power.

In fairness to some local officials across the province, the series of road clearing operations and cleanup up drives that they have spearheaded created a huge impact during their first three months in office.

Neophyte Talisay City mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas drew public commendations when he brought order to the once-chaotic streets surrounding Tabunok, home to the city’s biggest public market, clearing sidewalks of illegal vendors. This aside from his aggressive implementation of the traffic rules, including the compulsory wearing of helmets for motorcycle riders.

In Cebu City, Mayor Edgardo Labella has been aggressive in clearing Colon and other streets in the downtown area in compliance with the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s directive as ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte.

The same thing happened in neighboring Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City where Mayor Jonas Cortes and Mayor Junard Chan have been leading cleanup campaigns along creeks, rivers, and coastal areas.

At least the present batch of local officials  managed to impress the public with those clearing and cleanup operations during their first 100 days in office. We do hope they can be able to sustain what they have started.