Garcia tells CH workers: It should be business as usual

(First day as acting Mayor)

CEBU, Philippines — As Acting Mayor Raymond Garcia reported on his first day taking over Cebu City government's leadership following Mayor Mike Rama’s preventive suspension, his first agenda was to establish that Cebu City Hall will be business “as usual” and that positions vacated were also filled.

During the flag-raising ceremony of Cebu City Hall employees yesterday May 13, 2024, Garcia called for unity and stressed how services should not stop despite recent events.

“Public service will not be hampered, mao gyud na akong message,” said Garcia, adding that it’s also why he changed the time of the flag raising ceremony before 8:30 a.m.

“So ako sad tong gituyo because you know the time is very important and I don’t want to see complaints, because I have been receiving complaints from the past that manganhi sila’g alas nuebe, alas dyes and di sila ka transact of business because nag flag pa,” said Garcia.

With this, he said this change will be observed onwards during his stint as acting mayor.

Apart from the shift in time, other changes noticed during the flag ceremony was that there was no playing of the Singapore-like Cebu City with Melbourne features jingle, and the videos of the week that usually shows the accomplishments of department heads were also not presented.

It was a straight-forward ceremony, but the presence of several councilors was also noticed.

For several occasions in the past, Mayor Rama had called out members of the City Council to join him in their Monday morning flag ceremony, but only a few attended.

Yesterday, Garcia acknowledged the councilors present and hopes for unity with the rest.

Those present were Councilors James Cuenco, Jun-Jun Osmeña, Jaypee Labella, Joel Garganera, Jun Alcover, and Jerry Guardo.

Councilor Esparis, who usually attended the flag ceremony was still present, along with Councilor Noel Wenceslao.

Acting Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros, for his part, said he already informed the group ahead that such time is for his parents, especially that lately, his mom had been feeling under the weather.

Councilor Rey Gealon said he has a radio program the same time as the flag ceremony.

Prior to yesterday’s flag ceremony, Garcia accordingly had already met with the city councilors to ensure that everything will be okay at the City Hall.

“And so I am, therefore, calling upon everyone, department heads, assistant department heads, section heads, heads of offices, and all employees of city government to join hands and work together for a smooth transition so that things can quickly get back to normal,” Garcia said.

“Together, let us focus on integrity and efficiency in government service and adhere to the wisdom that public office is a public trust. Let us focus on service above self and show good results to the people of Cebu,” Garcia added.

APPOINTMENTS

In a press conference, Garcia announced his appointment of Liezl Calamba as Cebu City Assessor, Sam Salimbago as Chief of Staff, and lawyer Christine Joyce Batocan as City Administrator.

Both Salimbago and Batocan were from the office of the Vice Mayor.

According to Garcia, Calamba has 17 years of government service and has already served as a City Assessor before.

“I think she is competent and she can do the task,” said Garcia.

As for Batocan who will serve as Acting City Administrator following the six-month preventive suspension of Lawyer Collin Rosell.

Garcia said Batocan is a registered nurse who graduated from Cebu Doctors University. She also completed her law studies at San Carlos University in 2019. She immediately then worked under the City Attorney’s Office of the City Government under the administration of the late Edgardo Labella.

Further, Garcia also emphasized that he wanted to see the Cebu City Assessor’s Office, most importantly, to operate accordingly. Right after the press conference, Garcia inspected the Office of the City Assessor.

City Assessor Theresa Rosell was among those slapped with a six-month preventive suspension and five others from the same office.

“The Assessor’s office will function just like how it is supposed to function,” said Garcia.

As for the other departments, Garcia said that he wouldn’t want to “rock the boat” and immediately establish a reshuffling.

He also announces the release of mid-year bonuses for City Hall employees this May 15, 2024. — (FREEMAN)