Delos Santos wants health committee chairmanship

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Councilor Mary Ann Delos Santos would have wanted to chair the committee on health in the city council had her choice been granted by the members of majority.

Delos Santos, who won under the Team Rama, yesterday told the members of the media that, “Health is closest to my heart.”

She came from a family of medical practitioners. During her term as Barangay captain of Lahug, she has established connections with different health institutions.

“Practically with all these resources and connections, I can help shape the health program of the city,” Delos Santos said.

One of Delos Santos’ notable health projects in Barangay Lahug is the construction of the health clinic which provided education, prevention and early detection of anything that may affect a person’s physical and mental health.

Delos Santos said that during the caucus on June 17, she and three other Team Rama councilors were asked by majority floor leader Margot Osmeña on their choice of committee to chair.

Delos Santos said she answered health; Hans Abella, education; Dave Tumulak, social services; and James Cuenco, Tourism.

“We thought we would be given our committees,” Delos Santos said.

However, her name and Tumulak were not in any of  the 24 standing committees of the city council.

“Other councilors have more than one chairmanship and you’re left with two councilors who have nothing to do,” Delos Santos added.

Councilor Noel Wenceslao, who is under Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK), said that one of the reasons why Delos Santos was not given any chairmanship position is that she is already the minority floor leader. The same goes for Dave Tumulak who is the assistant minority floor leader.

On the issue of the majority bloc not trusting Delos Santos, she said she is deeply saddened by this.

“It is not fair and just for just one or two or a handful majority who will just set aside the hundred thousand people who put me at where I am now,” Delos Santos said.

But during the inaugural session, Osmeña said she wants to take everything one step at a time; even trusting the new people in the council. — (FREEMAN)