However, Bautista said he would be expecting those serving co-terminus positions with Yaranon to tender their courtesy resignation so he could have a free hand in deciding whom to appoint.
Bautista however hinted that he might re-appoint City Administrator Peter Fianza to the same post. As for the city legal officer, he said he might also retain lawyer Melchor Carlos Rabanes as officer-in-charge of this department of the mayor's office.
He said it might be difficult for him to enlist another lawyer because his or her stay in office is limited or until Bautistas term also ends.
Since former Legal Officer Robert Fangayen Sr. was appointed a judge in Urdaneta City, Rabanes has since been the OIC. Among controversial cases he handled were several cases filed by the Jadewell Parking Systems Corporation; the contested BGH flyover construction; the Uniwide market development deal; the Dairy Farm land dispute as well as the civil case filed by City Engr. Leo Bernandez against Yaranon, the Department of Public Works and Highways and Building Officer Oscar Flores, among others.
Early into Yaranon's term, he appointed lawyers Alexander Bangsoy and Fred Bagbagen but their appointments were not confirmed by the City Council. Former Secretary to the Mayor Conrado Bueno was previously appointed as City Administrator but his appointment was likewise turned down because of a Civil Service Commission ruling that government employees are mandated to stay in service only until they are 65 years old.
Fianza's appointment, on the other hand, was unanimously approved by the City Council.
