Velasco steps in

CEBU, Philippines —  Following the passing of Rep. Raul Del Mar, House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco has been designated as the caretaker for Cebu City North District, a development welcomed by local officials.

During Wednesday’s plenary session, Deputy Majority Leader Xavier Jesus Romualdo said Velasco’s designation was “upon the wishes of the late Raul del Mar as communicated by his family and constituency.”

Mayor Edgardo Labella, who described Velasco as a “very fair and levelheaded man,” said it is a welcome development.

“Of course, he will have some consultations with the political leaders from Cebu and we would be willing to share and to make suggestions, and share whatever things we believe that would recount to the people of Cebu, especially Cebu City, because we know for a fact the good Congressman (Del Mar) did a lot for Cebu. I’m sure that the Speaker would continue what the good Congressman had done,” said Labella.

Labella said he will have a meeting with the city officials to discuss the things they want to be brought to the Speaker.

Welcomed

Councilor Franklyn Ong, the president of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) in the city, also welcomed Velasco’s designation.

“It is a welcome development, especially right now we are in a pandemic and having a special election is costly for the government,” said Ong.

“We still have around 18 months before the election, I just hope that Speaker Lord can assign and delegate an office and a point person in the district for the mean time who understand and can quickly respond to the needs of the 1st district like former Congresswoman Cutie Del Mar,” he continued.

North district Councilor Alvin Dizon said he was not surprised of Velasco’s designation as legislative caretaker.

“It is common in the House of Representatives for the Speaker to be named caretaker of a district whose representative dies while in office,” said Dizon.

Councilor Joy Augustus Young, who is also from the north district, said he was pleased and surprised with the development as the late congressman spoke highly of Velasco.

“Raul also said he reminds him of when he was starting out in politics,” said Young.

Councilor Prisca Niña Mabatid also expressed her delight on the matter.

“It’s okay to put anyone as legislative caretaker as long as makaayo sa norte distrito sa Sugbo. But we are so lucky that we have no less than the Speaker of the House, ingon ana ta ka pinangga, mga Sugbuanon. We are just here to support and collaborate whatever programs and projects enstored for Cebu City,” said Mabatid.

Perfect Attendance

Velasco earlier said Del Mar would have been a deputy speaker during his term as House’s top leader.

The 79-year-old congressman passed away Monday night at a hospital in Manila after several days of confinement.

“Representative Del Mar proved his passion and commitment to public service by religiously attending plenary sessions and public hearings of the House of Representatives in order to fulfill his duties and mandate as a lawmaker. He had perfect attendance for the 27 years that he was a lawmaker,” Velasco said in a statement.

“The dedication of Congressman del Mar to public service is truly remarkable and serves as an inspiration to many. We owe him a debt of gratitude. He will be missed,” he added. — JMD (FREEMAN)