DAVAO City Vice Mayor Bernard Al-ag forwarded Wednesday, May 23, to the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples regional office a letter questioning the agency's untimely objection to the qualifications of the selected IP mandatory representative Cherry Ann Codilla.
"Codilla underwent three validations already and finally selected by the tribe... Delaying the assumption of the office of Codilla to the detriment of the welfare of the Indigenous Peoples cannot be justified in any way. The IP sector is clamoring for representation at Sangguniang Panlungsod," Al-ag said in his letter which was received by the NCIP regional office yesterday.
Al-ag also urged NCIP not to "politicize" the IPMR post, baring reports that NCIP has been allegedly delaying the certificate of affirmation (COA) because they have their own bet who failed to get the IPMR post in the selection process last April 12.
Al-ag, during the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National Police (PNP) Press corps media conference, said he had already tried to call the office of NCIP to relay his concerns about the validation of the IPMR but regional director Geroncio Aguio was always away or not in his office.
Codilla, who was present in the same media forum, thanked Al-ag for his intervention, saying that she would not be urging the NCIP to fast-track the release of her COA if this document only concerns about her.
She said this document is necessary for the pursuance of their basic programs for health and education which they cannot start without the COA.