DAANBANTAYAN MAYOR VICENTE LOOT is not ready to return to work yet.
Loot, accused of being a drug protector by President Rodrigo Duterte, has asked Gov. Hilario Davide III to extend his leave of absence from Dec. 17 to Jan. 17 so he could spend the Christmas and New Year holidays with his relatives in the United States.
“Considering the distance and the years that the family has not been together, I found this an opportune time to spend with them while they are still alive. To recall, I have five sisters, some of whom are octogenarians, three of whom are residing in the US and two in Canada,” Loot said in his letter.
The mayor said he has yet to spend Christmas and New Year with all of his siblings.
“I have realized that I haven’t celebrated Christmas and New Year with them since I was born. Given this chance that I am here with them now this Yuletide Season, I believe spending it with them will give more meaning and memories to our lives as a family,” he added.
Loot wrote the letter on Dec. 5. Davide’s office received it six days later.
The governor approved Loot’s request. He also approved Loot’s authority to travel last Dec. 13.
While Loot is away, Vice Mayor Gilbert Arabis will remain as acting town mayor until the former returns.
Arabis confirmed receiving the copy of Loot’s letter request and Davide’s approval.
Arabis assured that even with Loot not around, their town’s services have not been affected. (AZLG of SuperBalita Cebu/JKV)