Mayor’s order surprises alcover: Mike transfers seniors’ office

CEBU, Philippines — The chairman of Cebu City’s Senior Citizens Council and of the City Council committee on senior citizens yesterday admitted being caught by surprise by Mayor Mike Rama’s memorandum directing the Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA) to vacate its current office and find another space to relocate to.

He requested that the mayor reconsider the decision, especially that the location where the office is located now is ideal for the senior citizens since it is on the ground floor.

In an interview yesterday, City Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover, Jr. said he only learned of the memorandum, which was addressed to lawyers Homer Cabaral, the newly-appointed OSCA head; Johnson Hontanosas; and Juliefe Cuenca, when Cabaral called him about it.

“Nangutana siya nako kung unsa, niingon ko nga wala ko kabalo ana kay siya mismo wala man sad siya istoryahe,” Alcover said.

The councilor said it would have been better if they were called and given prior notice before they were issued with the memo.

The memo, issued last April 2, directed the OSCA to vacate the office located on the first floor of the ABC/Finance building, as the City Treasurer’s Office would use the space.

“As such, you are hereby directed to look for an office relocation and vacate the area including office equipment, computers, filing cabinets, photocopiers, and furniture,” rad the memorandum.

Alcover said that according to Cabaral, OSCA is being made to transfer to the second floor of the Satellite Office, which is located across La Nueva Supermart near City Hall, which is not ideal for senior citizens.

 “Plus, kanang opisinaha dira, wala pa gyuy CR…. Mao nang nakurat kaayo ko pagbasa kay immediate man, mura ma’g dinalian,” the councilor said.

He, however, expressed doubt that the memorandum really came from the mayor, because it ordered OSCA to relocate without any proper discussion.

“Kurat kaayo ko ana. Until now wa ko kasabot,” Alcover said.

“Mora sab ko’g nasakitan pud ko kay senior na baya ko,” he added.

Rama, on the other hand, said over his online program “Ingna’ng Mayor” that he would not comment yet on the matter because he is still looking into it.

Alcover said that Cabaral had opted to take a leave of absence after receiving a copy of the memorandum

“Unsa may sala sa mga senior dira nga pwede ra man untang istoryahon,” he also said.

Because of this, he said he would deliver a privilege speech during their session next week and plead with the mayor to reconsider he decision. RHM (CEBU NEWS)