Mandaue City council Luigi says revamp try aimed at Cabahug V

CEBU, Philippines — Mandaue City Mayor Gabriel Luis Quisumbing said that it was City Councilor Kevin Cabahug V who was the target in the proposed reorganization in the city’s legislative group.

He added that under Cabahug's leadership, many drug addicts were successfully rehabilitated.

"Mandaue received multiple awards from the PNP, PDEA and AFP for its anti-drug programs. It makes me wonder why he was targeted? Especially now when we hear that drug syndicates are trying to re-establish their foothold in Mandaue through narco-politicians like the Kuratong Baleleng incidents in Cubacub?” Quisumbing said.

Cabahug, in a privilege speech during last Thursday's session, has expressed his sentiments on the proposed resolution 181-2018.

Cabahug's name was also not included in the proposed resolution.

"Among the proposals under the said resolution was to remove, not only my chairmanship and vice- chairmanship, but also even being the membership of the committees I am currently serving," he said.

He questioned as to why the majority of the council proposed it just now.

Cabahug said he performed his duties well, as vice chairman under the Committee on Laws and Ordinances, chairman of the Committee on Health and Hospital Services, as well as under the Committee of Youth and Sports Development.

"Why now? When there's only barely half a year left, before the end of my current term? I will say with full confidence that I have faithfully helped tirelessly and passionately performed my duties as part of the committees. Kumpiyansa ko nga kabalo ang Mandauehanon nga tinuod ni," he added.

Cabahug became a City Councilor in 2016.

In an earlier report, at least five of the administration-allied City Councilors walked out, after the majority members of the council wants a revamp in the council’s committee chairmanship.

Vice Mayor Carlo Fortuna, who adjourned immediately the November 15 special session, had earlier explained that the proposed reorganization was "out of order."

Allied with the present administration are City Councilors Cabahug V, Nilo Seno, Elmer Cabahug, Benjamin Basiga, and Elstone Dabon.

The proposed resolution stated that newly-appointed Councilor Immaline Cortes-Zafra, who replaced his father the late Demetrio Cortes, has yet to have chairman committee post.

This proposed resolution was favored by the majority councilors Nenita Ceniza-Layese, Carmelino Del Mar, Jr., Malcolm Sanchez,  Zafra, Cynthia Cinco-Remedio and Association of Barangay Captain (ABC) President Ernie Manatad, and Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Dallie Mae Cabatingan.

The majority of the council had said they are looking for a post suitable for Zafra's line as a registered nurse.

Cabahug, however, found out that it was not only Zafra, but they wanted around eight committee chairmanships to be revamped, too.

The situation has yet to be resolved. — GAN (FREEMAN)