My attention was drawn to the actions of Talisay City Mayor JVR, especially his appointing several relatives to offices in City Hall. There are confidential appointments that don’t require the holder to undergo a competitive examination. The mayor has some leeway here.
However, in the case of Mayor JVR, some of his relatives from Mindanao now occupy positions through his appointment. The propriety of so many of his kinfolk in appointed posts has come under question. Where is the principle of delicadeza here?
In Cebu City, Mayor Mike Rama has not appointed any relative to a city position. I remember Mayor Mike, during our Christmas family reunion, admonishing relatives not to seek employment in City Hall and thereby causing him embarrassment or leaving him open to unnecessary attacks.
Many relatives of the mayor are qualified for government appointments but chose to work in the private sector. Many of us have chosen to respect the wishes of our cousin mayor because we don’t want to embarrass him.
I hope Mayor JVR will try to limit appointing his relatives to Talisay City Hall. He is elected to a public office that is entrusted to him. We shouldn’t break that trust.
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The ad hoc committee for the construction of the new Cebu City Medical Center finally presented the design of the new hospital to Mayor Rama. Construction will start in the middle of the year.
There’s been no major problem except the need to raise a huge amount to finance the project. There really is a need to seek financial support from the national government.
Like many Cebuanos, I hope construction finally starts because city residents deserve a hospital with state-of-the-art medical equipment, ready to serve the medical needs of the people.
Since this is a hospital for the people, it’s logical to expect the public to help raise funds for its construction, especially from big companies whose employees reside in Cebu City and stand to benefit from it.
As a matter of fact residents of Cebu City should support the endeavor. I am happy the CARE CCMC headed by Dr. Shawn Espina is working so hard to see this project materialize.
Dr. Espina is getting the support of his siblings in making this dream come true. So far, the design is the work of his two architect brothers Omar Maxwel and Yumi Espina. So good luck to the Espina brothers and thank you for your help in the construction of the new city hospital.
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Rehabilitation czar Panfilo Lacson talked about the challenges of implementing the rehabilitation of areas affected by Supertyphoon Yolanda. Lacson lamented that some cabinet members were uncooperative, causing delay in implementing the program.
I think those cabinet members fear that if Lacson succeeds, it may derail their own political ambitions. The assignment given to Lacson by President Aquino is an opportunity for Lacson to reach new heights especially if he considers running in 2016 under the Liberal Party because Secretary Mar Roxas does not rate well in surveys and is considered a very difficult presidential candidate to win in 2016.
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