Tuesday, January 30, 2007 Ouano pressuring CH workers: Cortes
POLITICS is behind the non-renewal of employment contracts of several Mandaue City Hall employees, Councilor and mayoral aspirant Jonas Cortes said yesterday.
Cortes expressed his disappointment over the development. He said City Hall employees, aside from those assigned to the clean and green program, have been “pressured” lately.
He said that either the employee’s family is affiliated with the Corteses or Cortes’ name is listed as a reference person in the employee’s personal data sheet.
Unity
He added that one employee whose family is associated with the Cortes clan was already jobless because his employment contract with City Hall was not renewed.
“This is in contrast to the political unity and harmony that they want,” said Cortes, who is running against Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano.
“You should practice what you preach,” he added.
Mayor Thadeo “Teddy” Ouano, however, denied pressuring employees.
In a separate interview, he said that the employees themselves went to his office yesterday for a courtesy call and assured him of their support.
Teddy is Jonkie’s father. He is now on his last term as mayor.
According to Teddy, the employees showed their support for him after seeing the developments in the city under his administration.
Last week, Teddy met with personnel employed under the clean and green program to “remind” them who signed their employment contracts.
Barangays
The employees, who are paid by the City Government, are deployed to the barangays.
The mayor assured them that his administration would not deprive anyone of their livelihood.
Cortes, for his part, said public service must transcend political affiliations.
He said that as a public servant, one must extend service to all constituents regardless of who they voted for.
He also said that recently, a man approached him and said that he was allowed to stay on as a government worker by Cortes’ father, former mayor Demetrio “Boy” Cortes Sr., even if the man was associated with the elder Cortes’ political opponent.
Jonas also revealed yesterday that at least two barangay captains have switched loyalty. He, however, said they would not make it public yet.
“I respect their decision and I won’t pressure them,” he said.
When Jonas announced his bid for mayor last Thursday, at least nine barangay captains were present and the group assured him there would be more who will be joining.
Later that day, the Ouano camp presented at least 15 barangay captains who support Jonkie’s candidacy. (AAG)
