Two barangay captains win as city councilors

CEBU, Philippines —  Two barangay captains in Cebu City are among those elected to the City Council in the May 13 polls – Barangay Tisa Captain Phillip Zafra and Barangay Mabolo Captain Prisca Niña Mabatid.

Because of this, the first councilman in the two barangays will move up as barangay captain upon the endorsement of the barangay council.

In Tisa, the first councilman or the one with the highest number of votes during the barangay elections is Ringo Pacaña. In Mabolo, it is Frank Gajudo.

“The barangay council will pass a resolution addressed to the mayor nominating someone to take the vacant place. Mao na ang proseso. The mayor will issue the appointment,” Zafra told The FREEMAN.

Zafra said he will assist Pacaña during the transition, as he would need to turn over documents, including financial statements, properties, accomplishment reports per departments, plantilla of barangay workers, among others.

Zafra said the council is yet to decide who among Herty Lopez and Jessie Campos will take the vacated seat in the council.

In Mabolo, Mabatid assured she will turn over all documents of the barangay to Gajudo despite the latter coming from the opposing political group.

However, because she reportedly cannot entrust Mabolo to Gajudo fully, she will reportedly create an office that can help run the barangay.

“We will have an extension of the mayor’s office kay wala man tay trust and confidence sa mopuli nga kapitan, especially with his Ombudsman cases. I can’t really entrust Mabolo to him,” Mabatid said

She said the extension office will not hamper the delivery of services in the barangay.

“Mas maayong maghimo nalang mi og amoa using the current staff of the barangay kay amo manang kuhaon. Sila ang modala sa opisina while waiting for the next elections,” she added.

Mabatid said a certain Julius Ceballos will be nominated to replace Gajudo as barangay councilman of Mabolo noon on June 30, the day the newly elected officials of the 2019 polls will assume office.

Meanwhile, as far as their priorities are concerned, Zafra said he is now starting to review possible ordinances he would want to push for at the City Council, among which is a universal identification card that will be used for all services in the city.

Mabatid, meanwhile, said she will read all books necessary to prepare her for the legislative work as city councilor. —  JMO (FREEMAN)