STO. TOMAS Mayor Gloria “Ninang” Ronquillo ignored political differences as she took her oath before 4th District Representative Juan Pablo “Rimpy” Bondoc, the most ardent supporter of her rival — defeated former mayor Johnny Sambo.
Ronquillo said she was in talks with Bondoc to set politics aside and work closely for the development of Sto. Tomas. She added that she was also grateful for the humility shown by Sambo, who attended her oathtaking at the Sto. Tomas covered court over the weekend.
“It’s time to set aside politics. What is important now is how we could work more for the development of the town,” Ronquillo said, stressing the need for flood mitigation projects and social services.
She added that the welfare of the people and the town are at stake if political bickering will not be set aside. Ronquillo said she is more than happy to work with allies and former rivals for the development of the town.
Ronquillo’s political slate holds the majority in the town council.
She said she will be focusing on programs for women, social services and more scholarship programs for the people of Santo Tomas.
Bondoc, for his part, promised to support the town’s needs for infrastructure projects, adding that he will work closely for the completion of needed engineering works for the Tail Dike that has long been a problem of 4th district towns.
Ronquillo takes the helm of the town’s executive seat as the first ever lady mayor in the town’s history.