Andales vs. Daluz

CEBU, Philippines - Argument marks last city council session before turnover

A heated argument between Cebu City Councilor Joey Daluz and Councilor Sisinio Andales highlighted the last city council session.

Daluz questioned the decision of the committee of three regarding the administrative case against Cogon Pardo barangay councilor Orvilla Bacalso who was earlier suspended for 15 days due to misconduct.

Andales was irked and told Daluz to stop incorporating political color in almost everything at the council.

Daluz stressed that the authority of the committee of three was only to investigate and hear both the defendant and the complainant and not decide on the matter.

He added that the decision was based on insufficient data gathering, since the accused was not given the chance to air his side, something that Bacalso confirmed.

“Wala man ko nila tawaga aron mag-imbestigar. Wala man sad koy sala kay igo ra man ko gipangayuan ni Councilor Edu Rama og lista sa mga pwedeng mu-handle sa bag-ong truck. Dili man to aron ilisan ang gibutang na sa barangay. (They did not call me and investigate. It’s not my fault, Councilor Edu Rama just asked me for a list of those who can handle the new truck. It was not meant to replace those appointed in the barangay),” Bacalso told reporters.

An administrative case was filed against the barangay councilor who was accused of replacing barangay-appointed employees with people of her choice.

Cogon Pardo barangay captain Jun Gabuya filed a complaint against the chairman of the committee on public services, councilor Edu Rama, who allegedly instructed Bacalso to fire four truck operators and hired other four.

Daluz, who was the campaign manager of Team Rama during the May 13 elections, then alleged that the decision to suspend Bacalso was politically motivated.

Bacalso is the only barangay councilor in Cogon Pardo identified to have campaigned for Team Rama.

Members of the committee of three included Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) councilors Alvin Arcilla, Nida Cabrera and Andales.— (FREEMAN)