Rama to replace Speed chief

CEBU, Philippines - Squatters Prevention and Encroachment Elimination Division (Speed) Chief Noel Artes will be replaced soon.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama confirmed that Artes will be affected by the reshuffling at City Hall. Although no official memorandum from the mayor has been issued as of yet, Artes will be replaced by Wendell Cenas, Executive Assistant 2 and OIC – Consultant’s Office.

Rama clarified that Artes is doing well in his job. He said that he just wants to use the skills of Artes for other purposes or where his skills will be more useful.

“He will be put where he can also be effective. I live it up to the city administrator to put this all together,”Rama said.

Rama denied that Artes’ impending transfer is related to the complaint of 12 job order workers hired for SPEED who have yet to receive their salaries for July to December 2011.

The workers were hired despite the lack of budget for their honorarium. Their salary was supposed to be included in the 2012 Annual Budget but it was among the items that were not prioritized.

Cebu City Administrator Jose Marie Poblete said that he will wait for the recommendation of the city’s systems improvement consultant before deciding where Artes will be transferred.

Recently, the mayor recalled the designation of former Building Official Josefa Ylanan, who was recalled to her mother unit as Assistant Department Head of the Department of Engineering and Public Works.

Former OIC-City Accountant Marietta Gumia was also recalled to her mother office at the Budget Department. She was replaced by Assistant City Accountant Diwa Cuevas.

Early this year, former Department of Social Welfare and Services head Cathy Yso was transferred to the disaster office. She was replaced by Esther Concha.  (FREEMAN)