City official declared ‘persona non grata’

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Council yesterday passed a resolution that sought to declare City Administrator John Yre De los Reyes “persona non grata” or an unwelcome person in his own city.

City Councilor Aldin Diaz introduced the measure during yesterday’s regular council session, allegedly following John Yre’s posts on the social media and his statements over his paid radio program.

In his resolution, Diaz said the city administrator has been criticizing the council harshly and making up stories which he said were “unethical, unprincipled, and immoral.”

Diaz claimed that John Yre called him "bayot" or gay.

"Okay ra unta nang ginganlan ko niya og bayot kay basin naibog siya nako. Pero iya naman gud giapil ang akong asawa nga puti kuno kaayo og nawong. Hasta ang akong anak, giingnan niya nga ‘pislat’ og ilong," Diaz said.

The legislator said he would not mind getting criticized over actions in line with the performance of his duties as public official. But dragging his family and personal life to ridicule, he said, is another story.

In his resolution, he cited Section 4 of Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees which states that “public officials and employees shall perform and discharge their duties with the highest degree of excellence, professionalism, intelligence and skill.

“They shall endeavor to discourage wrong perceptions of their roles as dispenser or peddlers of undue patronage.”

John Yre is the son of the sitting Mayor Johnny De los Reyes. He was appointed city administrator by the 5th Sangguniang Panlungsod in 2013.

"Alter-ego ni siya sa iyang amahan nga mayor. Kung unsa siya pagpadako sa iyang ginikanan mo-reflect gyud kana. Basin og mao sab gyud na iyang namat-an," Diaz said.

Mayor JVR’s allies at the council, City Councilors Val Ylanan and Dennis Basillote, voted against the measure, but their votes were overshadowed by the majority.

Through a text message, John Yre told The FREEMAN the council's move is hinted with politics and is therefore “unreasonable and irrelevant.”

He said it is a clear abuse of authority.

"Thus, the action made by the council is unconstitutional and without basis. Furthermore, it is a ground for me to file a legal action (before) the proper agency," John Yre said, adding that he will make as his evidence the copy of the resolution that will be furnished to him.

Diaz said he is ready to face John Yre’s charges.

This is not the first time the Alayon-dominated council is embroiled in a spat with John Yre, whose father is affiliated with the Liberal Party.

In May last year, the same council approved a resolution requesting the mayor to admonish his son for allegedly disrespecting elected officials.

"We already passed a resolution requesting the mayor to discipline his son over his behavior, especially in making remarks which are highly divisive against the council," said Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante, who presided yesterday’s session.

In the May elections, Talisay City mayorship will be contested three-way by incumbent Mayor JVR, former congressman and mayor Eduardo Gullas, and Villarante. (FREEMAN)