Wednesday, October 17, 2007 Jonas ‘luring’ allies, says Carlo
THE approval of some councilors’ requests for program employees has fuelled speculations these legislators may be ready to join the administration party in Mandaue City.
Told about reports that four opposition councilors may be about to change parties, Vice Mayor Carlo Fortuna said that asking favors from the mayor should not be
translated as “crossing party lines.” He pointed out that the mayor even granted his program workers, who are not considered regular employees.
“We cannot help but make these requests, as it is our natural responsibility to protect the welfare of our supporters,” said Fortuna.
When Sun.Star Cebu sought Mayor Jonas Cortes’ confirmation about these councilors who are reportedly ready to change parties, the mayor said: “Nakasabot lang sila sa atong tuyo (They understand my goals).”
The mayor denied coercing anyone.
Only two of the council’s 12 members (including two ex-officio members) are allied with Cortes. If indeed four decide to join him, that will evenly split the council and compel the vice mayor, as presiding officer, to break tied votes, if necessary.
Fortuna said he would not be surprised if some opposition councilors request the mayor for program employees. But the move must not be interpreted as a change in their loyalties, he added.
Vacancy
A source at the mayor’s office said that the Sangguniang Panglungsod was given 32 program employees, 12 of them assigned at the vice mayor’s office. Fortuna admitted this.
“If the mayor can accommodate a thousand program employees, we are asking him to give us also that privilege to accommodate program employees, with his permission,” Fortuna said.
“If you do not protect your political capital, how can you achieve your political objectives?” he added.
Last month, the council approved an ordinance to create new permanent positions in the councilors’ offices.
The mayor vetoed it, but the council may yet override that move.
Cortes has explained he saw no need to add permanent positions when some existing ones—at least four out of 20—are still vacant.
The mayor added that numerous positions at the city hospital and city college remain vacant, and he considers health and education more important than the council’s operations. (OCP)
