Punta Taytay Barangay Captain Rufino Alcala, whose status was questioned by a kagawad of his barangay, was advised yesterday by the Committee on Laws, Ordinances and Good Government to choose only one office.
Alcala admitted that he was designated by Mayor Monico Puentevella as caretaker or adviser of the Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, which at the same time, still discharging his function as barangay captain of Punta Taytay. The hearing yesterday was set by the Committee chaired by Councilor Caesar Distrito to provide a venue for the queries of Punta Taytay Kagawad Richard Palma on the allegations that Alcala is holding two offices. Alcala said he was issued a memorandum by the Mayor designating him as officer-in-charge of the CDRRMO. He was asked to provide a copy of the memorandum and he committed to provide one to the Sangguniang Panlungsod. Alcala said he prepared his resignation last July, but he was told by the Mayor to remain as barangay captain until the end of his term. He said he wanted to complete his term as barangay captain of Punta Taytay since the Barangay election is just two months away. However, he will confer with the Mayor and his colleagues in the barangay on the matter as he believes the issue has political color. Alcala said he is not receiving any compensation from the CDRRMO and even spends his own money to make it operational. Councilor Mona Dia Jardin said Alcala should give his position to the next deserving kagawad, or the number one kagawad, who happens to be the complainant, Kagawad Richard Palma. In his letter to the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Palma claimed that Alcala continues to receive his honorarium although he is not reporting regularly to the barangay hall to perform his obligations. Alcala said he believes there is someone behind Palma, who belongs to the other political party. He wants to ensure that the incoming barangay officials especially his successor will come from the “same category” as his, he said. Distrito noted that there were other barangay captains who have tendered their resignations after having been appointed to another position in the city, referring to Madeline Diaz of Brgy 18, Anjo Ayco of Brgy 15, and Andre Victor Las Piñas of Brgy. Villamonte. This is an admission that one cannot hold two positions at the same time, he said. Alcala was also questioned by Councilor El Cid Familiaran about the use of the vehicle of the CDRRMO since the memorandum receipt was issued to Bernadette Montelibano, a regular employee of the city. Alcala said he surrendered the vehicle to the city last Saturday. He said he hopes to serve the CDRRMO because of his expertise and training in rescue and disaster management, adding that he had organized Patrol 311 in Punta Taytay. Distrito said that, based on the opinion of the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Civil Service Commission, although not yet final, they are one in saying that Alcala cannot hold two positions and has to choose one, especially since both offices are very important. He said he hopes Alcala will consider the advice of the committee. Distrito said his committee will come up with a report declaring that Alcala cannot hold two positions and cannot drive the vehicle of the city, and they hope to submit this during the SP session tomorrow. If Alcala continues to hold two positions, it will be up to the affected person who is supposed to assume his position, to determine what steps to take, he said. Distrito said he hopes Alcala will choose the best options for the greater good of the people of Bacolod. He said he also hopes that Puentevella will be advised properly and that the committee report could help him decide on the issue involving Alcala.*CGS THE VISAYAN DAILY STAR
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Categories
All
|