BARANGAY officials affiliated with Team Rama are up in arms over the designation of private citizens identified with the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK) who supposedly sign certifications and clearances that are processed by the Cebu City government.
“I do not know in whatever capacity or authority these people have, or if they are appointed by the city, but these are private individuals. We can understand that there is partisanship in elections but there will be no barangay elections this year,” Councilor Philip Zafra said.
Zafra, who is the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) president, said he heard reports about this a month ago.
“Just lately, there are already names of personalities who are allowed to give endorsements if you want to avail of medical aid or any assistance,” he said.
Zafra claimed that these BO-PK allies are also using government resources.
He said he hoped that the Department of Internal and Local Government (DILG) will look into the issue.
“This is a public service, not a competition in politics,” he said.
Zafra said they are compiling the list of personalities.
Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña said they just followed the policy of former Cebu City mayor Michael Rama.
“That is what they gave to us. We were just following their policy. What we were doing is a continuation of the program of Mr. Rama. It is his legacy. Why are they complaining?” he said.