Cuevas, Castillo ready to exit

CUEVAS (LEFT) AND CASTILLO (RIGHT)

With Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama’s loss, most of his appointees are resigned to the fact that they will be replaced by the end of June.

City Legal Officer Jerone Castillo said he will return to private practice and is now processing his early retirement from public service. “There are so many ways to serve the people,” he said.

He and City Treasurer Diwa Cuevas are among the officials facing replacement by Cebu City Mayor-elect Tomas Osmeña. Cuevas earlier said she will submit her resignation before June 30.

She faces at least 12 administrative cases filed by Osmeña for “alleged acts of omission” that resulted in negative findings by state auditors on Cebu City Hall’s finances for the past three years.

Cuevas said she may be assigned to other local government units.

Public Information Officer Jojo Labella, brother of Vice Mayor Edgar Labella, said he may return to his business after June 30.

Those identified with the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK) are faring better. Despite losing, outgoing Councilor Alvin Dizon said he “will still be around.”

Asked by Osmeña on what help he can offer, Dizon said, “I told him (Osmeña), ‘Can I be your alter ego for the city’s poor and minority sectors? He said, ‘No problem.’”

Dizon hinted that he may work as a consultant for Osmeña, but said he will wait for Osmeña’s decision on his next possible assignment.

Dizon said he wanted to continue work on the Sister City Commission which focuses on support from international cities.

Reelected Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella said the new set of city officials and councilors will serve as a “check and balance” on the incoming administration but will be “objective, fair and work in the best interests of the people.”