CAGAYAN de Oro City Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin “Kikang” Uy came into the defense of some councilors who deferred a proposal that caused Mayor Oscar Moreno's disappointment.
Uy said he understood Moreno's sentiment that land banking is a priority. However, he said he also respects the decision of his colleagues for delaying the approval of a proposal that would allow the city to purchase a property for the resettlement program.
"Normal kay naa man separation of powers, check and balance man ang government, sa amoa aside nga lain, lain pud kang mayor. Dili ingon na unsa iingon sa mayor, mao na, gani magkabangi pa gani," Uy said.
Uy added that this incident only showed that the City Council is not a rubber stamp and has independence.
He however said that the proposals will be a priority for the 19th City Council.
"But at the end of day, kaayohan man gyud gihapon, magkasinabot gihapon bisan lain-lain ug panan-aw. Anyway, dili man giingon nga na-kill na ang proposal, nagpadayon man na," he said.
Councilor Reuben Daba moved to defer the approval of the appropriation of the 45,312 sq.m. of land worth P11.3 million in barangay San Simon, and another piece of land in barangay San Simon with an area of 36,123 sq.m. worth P9 million.
Mayor Moreno in his speeches, hit the councilor for stalling the projects. Moreno however did not name the councilor.
"Entitled man si mayor to criticize or praise, bisan kinsa nato entitled. Gi-exercise pud ni kagawad Daba iyang power, iyang duty as councilor, so akong gi aprobahan iyang gusto, iya man pud ng katungod," Uy said.
The vice-mayor also clarified that there is no friction between the legislative and executive departments. He said the council maintains a working relationship with the mayor.