CEBU, Philippines - After nine months of not having a political consultant, the Talisay City government, headed by Mayor Johnny De los Reyes, has found the need for an in-house City Hall consultant who will give recommendations on matters concerning political affairs.
The Bids and Awards Committee has recommended Charles Basillote, the former president of the Association of Barangay Council sitting as an ex-officio member of the city council for three years.
Based on BAC Resolution No. 001-R series of 01-2014 and 001-S series of 01-2014, the hiring of consultants by contract service through negotiated mode of procurement is in accordance with Section 53.7 of R.A. 9184 or the Highly Technical Consultants Act and its IRR.
The BAC is to submit the list of consultants requesting the Sangguniang Panlungsod for an authority of the city mayor to enter into a consultancy contract.
The Committee on Budget Management and Ways Means chaired by Councilor Edward Alesna then recommends the move subject to the Sanggunian's approval.
It is likely that Basillote will get the majority council's approval in today's session considering that he is a former councilor and his father, Dennis Basillote, an incumbent councilor.
Basillote and his father had recently jumped to Liberal Party following his younger brother's defeat in the last barangay elections. The Basillotes, who belonged to the Alayon Party for more than a decade, blamed former congressman Eduardo Gullas and his family for not supporting Rex Basillote's barangay chief candidacy. Gullas instead supported the younger Basillote's rival who eventually defeated him.
De los Reyes said a political consultant would be a big help during decision-making processes concerning political matters.
If his appointment will be approved, Basillote will be hired as consultant for a period of six months. (FREEMAN)