THE City Council of Bacolod has concurred the appointment of lawyer John Orola Jr. as city administrator, and lawyer Joselito Bayatan as the city legal officer.
The appointment and concurrence of Orola and Bayatan were unanimously approved during the council’s regular session on Wednesday, July 10.
Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran said Thursday their appointment and concurrence were supported by Councilors Cindy Rojas, Renecito Novero, Ana Marie Palermo, Bartolome Orola, Israel Salanga, Simple Distrito, Ayesha Villaflor, Lady Gles Pallen, Wilson Gamboa, Archie Baribar, and Carl Lopez.
Councilor Dindo Ramos was on leave while Councilor Elmer Sy was on sick-leave and Councilor Al Victor Espino was absent.
Familiaran said Orola and Bayatan were appointed by Mayor Evelio Leonardia to their respective posts since 2016.
“We expect that they will perform well for the benefits of the people of Bacolod City,” he said.
Novero, majority floor leader, said that Orola and Bayatan were given another term to serve the current administration so it’s expected that they will perform well.
“As always that when you assume the same position for another term, you are expected to do better,” he said.
For his part, Orola expressed his gratitude to Leonardia and City Council for the unanimous approval of his appointment.
“Public office is a public trust. We have to identify our priorities, but these priorities should be based on the actual needs and that would include housing, livelihood, health, and environmental programs among others,” Orola said.
He added that the honeymooning period for the last three years is over, now it’s the time to implement the programs. (MAP)