Toledo City councilor unopposed in PCL-Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — The team of Toledo City Councilor Ricardo “Kuya Nick” Pepito is uncontested in today’s scheduled election of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Cebu Provincial Federation.

As of August 9, the deadline of the filing of the certificates of candidacy, only Pepito and his team filed their documents.

Even incumbent PCL-Cebu president Caroline Bacaltos of Sibonga did not file her CoC for reelection per information from the Department of Interior and Local Government and from her office.

Third District Representative Pablo John “PJ” Garcia has officially endorsed Pepito to lead the One Cebu Party’s slate for the next officers of the PCL-Cebu.

Party head Governor Gwendolyn Garcia also expressed her support for Pepito’s bid for PCL-Cebu president, as the councilor holds 14 years of experience. Once elected, Pepito shall sit as an ex-officio member of the Cebu Provincial Board.

Under Pepito’s slate are Mandaue City Councilor Marie Immaline Cortes-Zafra as vice president, Dumanjug Councilor Stanley Aldemita as secretary-general, Tabogon Councilor Jojessa Hortelano as treasurer, San Remigio Councilor Jay Olivar as auditor, Liloan Councilor Chary Cañete as PRO and Pinamungajan Councilor Marvin Miralles as business manager.

For BODs are Tuburan Councilor Lorenz Lagon, Medellin Councilor Harold Salimbangon, Alcoy Councilor Jonathan Abajon, Argao Councilor Jonathan Villegas, Madridejos Councilor Vince Cyrus Rebadomia, Minglanilla Councilor Jay-R dela Calzada, Toledo City Councilor Amiboy Perales and Poro Councilor Ashley Otadoy.

Other members of the BOD to be appointed by the president are Consolacion Councilor Ingking Villo and Balamban Councilor Rhodessa Paulin.

Around 526 city and municipal councilors, including the presidents of Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) federations, are set to convene today at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino to formally elect the PCL-Cebu officers and BODs.

League of cities

Meanwhile, a fully-loaded schedule is up ahead for the close to 150 mayors nationwide as several activities have been lined up for the League of Cities of the Philippines convergence and strategic planning workshop at Radisson Blu Hotel here in Cebu City on August 16 to 18.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Erwin Tulfo are also expected to be present in the discussion.

On the other hand, Rama is also expected to push for the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, while DILG Secretary Abalos is also encouraging the LGUs to do so.

Business tycoon Manny Pangilinan and labor law expert Atty. Josephus Jimenez has been reported to attend the event to impart their knowledge on the importance of PPP.

As expected, there will also be a tour for all LCP members around the City of Cebu.

The tour will be showcasing the city’s heritage sites while also sharing to the rest the city’s best practices in delivering basic services to the community. —Caecent No-ot Magsumbol/GMR (FREEMAN)